California Lien Forms
Protect your lien rights with these Lien Forms for California contractors, subtrades and suppliers.
Each form package includes clear instructions to guide you through the process, making it simple for anyone to protect their payment rights. Whether you're a general contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier, these forms ensure you remain compliant with current California regulations and avoid costly mistakes.
Legal Requirements for Filing Lien Claims in California
To file a lien claim, claimants must follow specific legal requirements to ensure their lien is valid and complies with California laws. First, a preliminary notice must typically be served within 20 days of first furnishing labor, services, equipment, or materials to the project.
Next, the mechanic's lien must be recorded with the county recorder's office in the county where the property is located, generally within 90 days after completion of the work or cessation of the project. The lien claim must include details such as the claimant’s name, a description of the work or materials provided, the property owner’s information, and the amount owed.
Finally, after filing, the claimant must serve a copy of the recorded lien on the property owner. If the lien is not resolved, a lawsuit to enforce the lien must be filed within 90 days of recording the lien, or the lien may become invalid.
These steps help protect your right to payment and ensure compliance with California's construction laws.
California Assignment of Lien on Real Property
Assign your lien to another party with this California Assignment of Lien on Real Property form.
- The current lienholder (the assignor) assigns all rights and interest in a previously registered lien against an owner's property to a third party (the assignee).
- The assignee has full authority to collect the amount still owing to the lienholder by the property owner.
- This is a reusable lien form. Buy it, download it, use it as often as you need to.
- This form is available as a customizable and reusable MS Word template.
- Intended for use only in the State of California.
California Conditional Waiver and Release of Lien - Final
Use this template form to issue a conditional waiver and release of lien for receipt of final payment on a construction project in California.
- The contractor release lien rights and claims for payment with respect to the improvements to the property, but the release is conditioned upon the final payment clearing the bank.
- The release form is in accordance with California Civil Code Section 8136.
- The release does not affect any disputed amounts.
- This Conditional Waiver and Release of Lien form is a digital download in MS Word format that you can use over and over again.
- Intended to be used only in the State of California.
California Conditional Waiver and Release of Lien - Progress Payment
CA contractors, release your lien rights up to the date of a payment with this California Conditional Waiver and Release of Lien Upon Progress Payment.
- The contractor releases any lien rights or claims for payment for labor, materials or equipment supplied for improvements to a property only up to the through date, on the condition that the progress payment from the Customer clears the bank.
- The release form conforms to the requirements of California Civil Code Section 8132.
- This is a reusable lien form - buy, download, fill in, use as often as you require.
- Intended to be used only in the State of California.
California Design Professional's Claim of Lien
File a lien claim for design professional services with this California Design Professional's Claim of Lien form.
A design professionals' lien is filed to place a lien against a property for unpaid bills arising from a construction project or other form of work of improvement. This special type of lien is available to licensed architects, landscape architects, registered professional engineers, or licensed land surveyors.
Legal Compliance
The lien claim form is drafted in accordance with the requirements set forth in California Civil Code Section 8304, ensuring that it meets all statutory obligations for validity and enforceability within the state.
Form Features
- Included within the form is a verification statement, as mandated by law, to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the information provided.
- Additionally, the form contains a Proof of Service Declaration to document the manner in which the claim was served to the appropriate interested parties.
Ease of Use
The lien form is designed to be reusable and customizable, provided in Microsoft Word format for ease of use and adaptation to individual requirements. It is intended solely for use within the State of California.
California Extension of Time to Enforce Mechanics Lien
Extend the time period for starting legal action on your mechanics lien with this California Extension of Time to Enforce Mechanics Lien and Notice of Credit.
- The extension of time must be agreed to by all the parties (property owner, contractor, subcontractor).
- The lien is continued for an additional 90 days, and a specified number of days credit is granted.
- The parties waive their rights to object to any action brought to foreclose the lien.
- The form is available in Microsoft Word format and is easy to fill in and complete.
- Intended to be used only in the State of California.
California Lien Waiver and Release Forms
CA contractors can get all their Lien Waiver and Release forms in one package with this downloadable set of forms which contains:
- California Conditional Waiver and Release of Lien (Progress Payment),
- California Unconditional Waiver and Release of Lien (Progress Payment),
- California Conditional Waiver and Release of Lien (Final Payment), and
- California Unconditional Waiver and Release of Lien (Final Payment).
No matter what stage the construction project is at, you can prepare your lien releases with this package of Lien Waiver and Release Forms for California contractors. Editable and reusable.
California Mechanics Lien / Claim of Lien Form
File a lien claim for unpaid contractor or subcontractor invoices with this California Mechanics Lien / Claim of Lien form, under CA Civil Code Section 8416.
This California Mechanics Lien / Claim of Lien form is designed for contractors and subcontractors seeking to file a lien claim for unpaid invoices. The process is governed by California Civil Code Section 8416, ensuring legal protection of payment rights for work performed or materials supplied.
Included Items
- Notice of Mechanic's Lien: A formal notification indicating the intention to claim a lien for unpaid services or materials.
- Project and Claim Details: Space to provide a comprehensive description of the project, the specific work and materials supplied, and the exact amount being claimed.
- Verification Form: A section to be signed by the claimant, an authorized agent, or a signing officer, verifying the accuracy of the claim.
- Proof of Service Affidavit: Documentation to record the details of service and notification provided to the relevant parties involved in the lien process.
Format and Use
The form is available in Microsoft Word format, allowing for easy completion and reuse. Users may utilize the form as often as necessary, provided it is for projects located within the State of California.
California Notice of Completion Form
California property owners, file and serve this Notice of Completion when construction is completed on your property.
In the State of California, property owners are required to file and serve a Notice of Completion when construction on their property has been completed. This legal document serves to officially notify all interested parties that the improvements made to the property have reached completion as of a specific date.
Compliance with California Civil Code
The Notice of Completion is prepared in accordance with California Civil Code Sections 8180-8190, 8100-8118, and 9200-9208. Adhering to these sections ensures that the notice meets all statutory requirements and is legally valid.
Notification to Interested Parties
By filing and serving the Notice of Completion, all concerned parties are informed about the completion of the construction project. This notification provides clarity regarding the status of the property and the date on which the improvements were finalized.
Required Statements and Declarations
The Notice of Completion form includes a Verification Statement, which is a mandatory component to confirm the accuracy of the information provided. Additionally, the form contains a Proof of Service Declaration. This section records the details of the individuals or entities to whom the notice was served, as well as the method by which service was effected.
Template Usage
The template for the Notice of Completion can be reused as needed for multiple projects or occasions. However, it is important to note that this form is intended for use exclusively within the State of California.
California Payment Bond Claim Notice - Public Works
Make a claim for payment for improvements to a public project with this California Payment Bond Claim Notice (Public Works), under Civil Code Sec. 8600 et seq.
- This Notice must be served on the bond principal and surety, to notify them that the contractor is making a claim against the bond for outstanding amounts due for labor, services or materials.
- The digital template also includes a Release of Payment Bond Claim Notice (Public Works), to be given after the claim has been paid in full.
- This is a reusable legal form. Buy it, download it, use it as often as you like.
- Available in MS Word format.
- Intended to be used only in the State of California.
California Preliminary Notice - Private Works
Purpose of Preliminary Notice
The California 20-Day Preliminary Notice (Private Works) is a crucial document that contractors must provide before supplying labor or materials to a construction site. This notice is mandated by Section 8200 of the California Civil Code, ensuring that all parties involved in a construction project are properly informed.
Who Must Receive the Notice
The law requires that the Preliminary Notice be served on three key parties: the property owner, the direct contractor, and the construction lender, if there is one involved. This ensures that all responsible parties are aware of the contractor’s involvement and potential lien rights.
Contents of the Form
The form contains the legally required Notice to Property Owner, notifying them of the contractor’s work and rights. Additionally, the template includes a Proof of Service Declaration to document that the notice has been properly served to the necessary parties.
Usage and Reusability
This is a reusable lien form. Once purchased and downloaded, it can be saved for future use. Contractors can fill in and print a new copy each time they need to send a Preliminary Notice for a different project.
Jurisdiction
This form is intended solely for use within the State of California and should not be used for projects outside the state.
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