Customer withholding payment on a job in California? We can help!
Sometimes called a construction lien or materialman’s lien, a mechanic’s lien is a powerful legal tool that allows construction professionals to claim unpaid compensation by securing a legal interest in the property they worked on. This means that if you’ve provided labor, materials, equipment, or services for a construction project and haven’t been paid, you have the right to file a lien against the property itself.
Filing a mechanics' lien in California effectively puts a hold on the property — making it difficult for the owner to sell, refinance, or transfer ownership until the debt is resolved. While this process can be highly effective in helping contractors and suppliers get paid, California has some of the most complex and time-sensitive lien laws in the country. Understanding and meeting these requirements is crucial — and that’s where Northwest Lien can help.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about filing mechanics’ liens in California, including who is eligible to file, the critical deadlines and legal requirements involved, and common pitfalls to avoid. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions and provide practical tips to help you protect your lien rights and secure the payment you’ve earned. With Northwest Lien as your partner, you’ll gain the confidence to navigate California’s lien laws efficiently and effectively.
Overview
Late or missing payments on a construction job aren’t just frustrating — they can threaten your business. Whether you’re a general contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier, going unpaid for completed work puts serious strain on your cash flow and operations. Thankfully, California law gives construction professionals a powerful tool to help secure the compensation they’re owed: the mechanic’s lien. At Northwest Lien, we make it easier to file a mechanic’s lien in California — on time, correctly, and with confidence.
Our experienced team has helped countless contractors protect their payment rights across the West Coast. Whether you’ve never filed a lien before or you’re a seasoned pro, we’re here to make California lien filing straightforward and stress-free.
While a lien doesn’t guarantee payment, it creates a legal claim against the property that the owner cannot ignore — often requiring resolution through payment or a bond before the property can be sold or refinanced.
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There are different timeframes involved in California mechanics’ liens, and it is crucial to keep them in mind when you are filing to maximize your lien rights.
Preliminary Notice Deadlines
20 DAYS
The preliminary notice, informing the property owner of your involvement in the project, should be served within 20 days of starting work or supplying materials and equipment, as required by California construction law.
Mechanic's Lien California Deadlines
*90 DAYS
General contractors in California can file for a mechanic’s lien within 90 days from project completion.
*However, when the project owner files a notice of completion, the time to file a lien will be shortened to 60 days for general contractors from the time the notice of completion was filed. Aside from filing a notice of completion, the project owner may also file a notice of cessation — a notice that informs the involved parties that the construction project has stopped — to shorten the timeframe for filing a mechanic’s lien in California. The same deadline applies after the notice has been formally recorded.
Preliminary Notice Deadlines
20 DAYS
The preliminary notice, informing the property owner and contractor of your involvement in the project, should be served within 20 days of starting work or supplying materials and equipment, as required by California construction law.
Mechanic's Lien California Deadlines
*90 DAYS
Subcontractors in California can file for a mechanic’s lien within 90 days from project completion.
*However, when the project owner files a notice of completion, the time to file a lien will be shortened to 30 days for subcontractors and suppliers from the time the Notice of Completion was filed. Aside from filing a notice of completion, the project owner may also file a notice of cessation — a notice that informs the involved parties that the construction project has stopped — to shorten the timeframe for filing a mechanic’s lien in California. The same deadline applies after the notice has been formally recorded.
Preliminary Notice Deadlines
20 DAYS
The preliminary notice, informing the property owner of your involvement in the project, should be served within 20 days of starting work or supplying materials and equipment, as required by California construction law.
Mechanic's Lien California Deadlines
*90 DAYS
Material suppliers in California can file for a mechanic’s lien within 90 days from project completion.
*However, when the project owner files a notice of completion, the time to file a lien will be shortened to 30 days for subcontractors and suppliers from the time the notice of completion was filed. Aside from filing a notice of completion, the project owner may also file a notice of cessation — a notice that informs the involved parties that the construction project has stopped — to shorten the timeframe for filing a mechanic’s lien in California. The same deadline applies after the notice has been formally recorded.
With the right guidance and a clear understanding of the process, filing a mechanic’s lien in California doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Northwest Lien, we help contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other construction professionals navigate California’s lien filing process with confidence.
Still, it’s important to follow the steps carefully. Missing a deadline, using the wrong form, or submitting incomplete information can cause you to lose your lien rights in California — and your chance to get paid. Here’s how to get it right:
Before filing, make sure you’re legally entitled to record a California mechanic’s lien. Under California law, you may file if:
In most cases, California law requires that you serve a preliminary 20-day notice before you can file a lien. This notice alerts the property owner, general contractor, and lender that you are contributing to the project and may file a lien if unpaid.
Next, complete the official California mechanic’s lien form accurately. The form must include:
Even small errors or omissions can invalidate your lien, so take care in preparing this document — or work with a lien service provider like Northwest Lien.
If you’d like someone to take care of the filing for you, file a mechanic’s lien with Northwest Lien.
Before recording the lien, you must serve a copy of the signed mechanic’s lien to the property owner.
File your lien with the County Recorder’s Office in the California county where the property is located.
Call ahead or visit the County Recorder’s website to verify filing procedures and office locations.
Once your California mechanic’s lien is recorded, you have a few options depending on whether you get paid.
California law allows you to extend a lien if the property owner agrees, usually as part of a payment plan or negotiation. The owner must sign a written agreement to extend the lien deadline beyond the standard 90 days after project completion or cessation.
If no payment is made and no extension is granted, you must enforce the lien by filing a lawsuit within 90 days of recording it. This can lead to foreclosure of the property and payment from the proceeds. Consult a qualified California construction attorney to begin this legal process.
Once payment is received, you should file a release of lien with the same county office. While not legally required in California, releasing the lien shows professionalism, closes the loop officially, and helps maintain good business relationships in the construction industry.
Navigating California’s lien laws can be complex — but you don’t have to do it alone. With over 20 years of experience, Northwest Lien is the trusted partner for construction professionals looking to secure their lien rights and get paid. From preparing accurate forms to meeting every deadline, we help you avoid costly mistakes and protect what you’ve earned. Contact us or order online today.
Yes, a property description is required in your California mechanic’s lien. The description should provide complete details and meet the formatting and language requirements for completing the forms.
The claimed amount must reflect the actual value of the work or materials provided, taking into account the agreed contract price and any payments you’ve already received during the construction project.
A notarized mechanic’s lien is not required in California. You can write and sign the affidavit yourself, and no notary is needed before filing.
The lien should be filed with the County Recorder’s Office where the property is located. You can deliver the lien in person at the county office, by mail, or electronically.
Filing by mail can be tricky; California has a strict deadline. It is important to note that even if you have already mailed your documents to the county’s office, the mechanic’s lien is not officially recorded unless the County Recorder has processed it. Aside from this, the filing fees should also be accurately computed and correctly written on the enclosed check. You must also provide a return envelope with detailed instructions so the county can give you a copy of the filed lien.
Electronic filing of a mechanic’s lien in California is only allowed for those who use third-party representatives. These are approved parties who already have their accounts within the county offices.
Northwest Lien handles this process from start to finish for our clients. Simply order here on our site, and we’ll notify you when the document has been filed and recorded.
Sending a notice that the mechanic’s lien was recorded is required if you supplied material, labor, or equipment to the construction project. Otherwise, it is not mandatory to send a notice after filing the lien.
Yes, you can file a mechanic’s lien in California under the state’s rules on a condominium project. These rules include not being able to file a lien against another unit in the building. If you worked on one unit, you can only file a lien for that unit and not the entire building.
Another rule to consider is that if your work covers multiple units or condominium projects, you may need to file a separate lien for each one based on the value of the work done on each unit. Figuring out the amounts can be challenging, especially in larger construction or improvement projects, so it’s important to calculate carefully and accurately.
In California, a mechanic’s lien has a validity of 90 days from the date the lien is filed. After 90 days, enforcing or filing a lawsuit ceases once the mechanic’s lien expires.
Filing a mechanic’s lien in California can range from $75 to $120, depending on the county and the length of the document filed. The amount is charged by the County Recorder’s Office as recording fees. For professional filing help, learn more about our pricing.
While a notary isn’t required, using a third-party lien filing service like Northwest Lien can help simplify the process, help you meet tight deadlines, handle mailing or electronic filing, and keep proof of service and filing.
When you choose to enforce the mechanic’s lien through a lawsuit, you may also need to hire an attorney, which could result in additional legal costs if the case proceeds to court.
In California, mechanics’ liens take priority based on when the actual work began rather than when the lien was filed. If the construction started before the construction lender recorded their deed of trust, the mechanic’s lien may have priority.
A mechanic’s lien in California is a legal claim filed by contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals who haven’t been paid. It places a hold on the property they worked on as a way to secure the money that they are owed.
Parties who can file a mechanic’s lien in California include the following:
Other parties, like the prime contractor or the direct contractor, also have lien rights in California. They are the main party hired by the property owner to deliver the construction project. They are also responsible for managing the overall operations, including sourcing materials, hiring subcontractors, and paying them.
Before filing a mechanic’s lien in California, make sure you:
Filing a mechanic’s lien in California doesn’t guarantee payment, but when done correctly within the timeframe, the chances of getting paid increase. It puts legal pressure on the property owner due to the claim against the property’s title, which may delay the sale of the property until the lien is resolved.
California is a full-price lien state, which means your lien can secure the entire amount you are owed, regardless of whether the general contractor has been fully paid.
In the last year, we’ve helped our clients successfully collect over $5,000,000. Contact us to speak with a mechanics’ lien expert today.
Yes, for subcontractors or material suppliers. This notice informs the property owner, general contractor, and lender that you’re working on a construction project and may file a lien if you are not paid. Without this notice, you could lose your lien rights. File your preliminary notice with Northwest Lien today.
The preliminary notice should be served within 20 days of first providing work, materials, or equipment to the construction project.
What happens if the notice is sent late?
A preliminary notice in California may be sent late. However, it will only cover the work or materials furnished within 20 days before the notice.
You can deliver the notice in-person or by certified, registered, or first-class mail. Contact Northwest Lien with your preliminary notice questions.
In California, a preliminary notice is considered legally delivered on the date it is mailed, not on the date that it is received. As long as the notice is sent, the claimant keeps a proof of mailing and a proof of service affidavit showing when and how it was sent, it counts as delivered that day, even if the recipient hasn’t opened or seen it yet.
A California bond claim is a claim filed against the payment bond, which guarantees payment to subcontractors and suppliers even if the owner or general contractor fails to pay.
Under California Civil Code Section 8424(d), when a property owner or general contractor records a lien release bond that replaces the mechanic’s lien, the notice receipt date will be the basis for the six months to get paid before taking legal action and protect your right to payment.
PHONE:
425.201.5120
We understand how important it is to have reliable, straightforward support when dealing with mechanics’ liens in California. Our team stays on top of the state’s specific rules and deadlines so you don’t have to worry about missing a step.
When you reach out, you’ll always talk to a real person who knows the industry and can talk through your unique situation. We’re available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, and our online filing process makes it easy to order documents and track progress. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, so you always know where your lien stands.
