California Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Cal. Civ. Code § 8400-8470 — Mechanic's Liens
Lien Filing Deadline
You must file your lien within 90 days of the completion of the work of improvement. Miss this deadline and you permanently lose your lien right.
Preliminary Notice Requirement
California requires a Preliminary Notice (Cal. Civ. Code § 8200) to be served on the property owner, general contractor, and construction lender within 20 days of starting work. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: county recorder's office in the county where the property is located
- Enforcement deadline: 90 days after filing to commence foreclosure
- Contractor license: Required for lien rights
- Bond alternative: Property owner may bond off the lien
- Small claims limit: $10,000
- Residential note: owner-occupied single dwelling requires direct contract for contractor lien; subcontractors must serve preliminary notice
What Your California Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from California's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Cal. Civ. Code § 8400-8470 cited by section number. The other party sees you know the law.
Deadline Calculation
90 days from your last work date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Notice Compliance
References your compliance with California's preliminary notice requirements.
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
California Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in California?
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 8400-8470, you have 90 days from the completion of the work of improvement to file a mechanic's lien. Missing this deadline permanently forfeits your lien right.
Does California require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. California requires a Preliminary Notice (Cal. Civ. Code § 8200) to be served on the property owner, general contractor, and construction lender within 20 days. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in California?
In California, mechanic's liens are filed with the county recorder's office in the county where the property is located. The lien must be filed within the statutory deadline of 90 days.
How long do I have to enforce a mechanic's lien in California?
After filing the lien, you have 90 days to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under Cal. Civ. Code § 8400-8470. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in California?
Yes. In California, a property owner can post a surety bond to "bond off" the mechanic's lien from the property. The lien then attaches to the bond instead of the property, allowing the owner to sell or refinance.
Do I need a lawyer to send a lien demand letter in California?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a California-specific demand letter citing Cal. Civ. Code § 8400-8470 so the other party knows you understand your rights and the applicable deadlines.
Mechanic's Lien Demand Letters by State
Select your state to see lien deadlines and generate your letter.