California Mechanics Lien Deadlines for Unpaid Contractors

This guide covers the main deadlines in plain language and links to the statute for each one. It is general information, not legal advice. If a large balance is at stake, a short call with a California construction attorney is money well spent.

The four dates that matter

1. Preliminary notice (20 days)

Under Civil Code 8204, a preliminary notice must be given no later than 20 days after the claimant first furnishes work. If you send it late, you are not shut out completely, but you can only lien for work performed within the 20 days before the notice and after it.

Whether you personally need one depends on your role. Subcontractors and suppliers almost always do. Contractors who contract directly with the owner are treated differently under Civil Code 8200, so read that section or ask an attorney before assuming you are exempt. Civil Code 8410 says a claimant can enforce a lien only if required preliminary notice was given.

2. Recording the lien (90 days, or sooner)

For a direct contractor, the window opens when you complete your contract and closes at the earlier of:

• 90 days after the whole work of improvement is completed, or
• 60 days after the owner records a notice of completion or cessation.

For subs and suppliers, the second number is 30 days, not 60.

The catch is the recorded notice. If the owner records a notice of completion, your window can shrink fast. Check the county recorder’s index for the property address if you are getting close.

The claim of lien is recorded with the county recorder where the property sits. California also requires a “Notice of Mechanics Lien” to be served on the owner with the claim. The required wording and service rules are in Civil Code 8416. The Contractors State License Board has a plain-English overview at cslb.ca.gov.

3. Filing suit (90 days after recording)

A recorded lien is not self-executing. Under Civil Code 8460, you must start a court action to enforce it within 90 days of recording, or it expires. The only exception is a recorded agreement to extend credit. Put this date on your calendar the day you record.

A practical timeline for a residential job

Say you finish a kitchen remodel on March 1 and the client stops answering.

1. Day 1 to 7. Send a friendly reminder with the invoice and an easy way to pay. Most late payers are just disorganized.
2. Day 14. Send a second, more direct reminder that names the amount and the due date.
3. Day 21 to 30. Call. Ask plainly if anything about the work or the invoice is holding up payment. Write down what they say.
4. Day 30 to 45. Send a written final notice that states you will record a mechanics lien if payment is not received by a specific date. Only say this if you will actually do it.
5. Before day 90 (earlier if a notice of completion was recorded). Record the lien and serve the required notice.
6. Within 90 days of recording. Decide whether to file suit to enforce, settle, or release.

Many owners pay once a lien is recorded, because it clouds title for a sale or refinance. If they pay, record a release promptly.

Things that trip contractors up

• Counting from the invoice date. The clock runs from completion of the work of improvement, not from when you billed.
• “Completion” is defined. Civil Code 8180 lists what counts, including actual completion, occupation plus cessation of labor, and cessation of labor for a continuous 60 days. Small punch-list visits usually do not restart the clock.
• Lien amount. Lien only for the reasonable value of your work or the contract price, whichever is less, minus payments. Overstating a lien on purpose can cost you the lien and more.
• License status. An unlicensed contractor generally cannot sue to collect for work requiring a license in California (Business and Professions Code 7031). Make sure your license was active for the whole job.

Sample reminder email before you escalate

Subject: Invoice #1042 for the kitchen remodel at 18 Elm St

Hi Dana,

I hope the new kitchen is treating you well. Invoice #1042 for $6,400 was due on March 15 and still shows as open on my end. You can pay by card or bank transfer using the button in this email.

If something about the work or the invoice needs attention, just reply and tell me. I would rather fix it now.

Thanks,
Sam, Rivera Builders

Keep reminders short, friendly and specific. Save every message. If the dispute ever reaches court, a calm, dated paper trail helps you.

Where Still Due fits

The early steps above are the part most contractors skip because they are busy on the next job. Still Due sends polite reminders on a schedule with a Stripe Pay button, and the money goes straight to your own Stripe account. It does not file liens or give legal advice, but it can keep the friendly follow-ups going so you can focus on the deadlines that matter.

See also the Florida construction lien deadlines and the final reminder that comes before a written notice.

This article is general information about California law as of October 2026 and is not legal advice. Statutes change. Check the linked code sections or talk to a California attorney about your situation.