What is the deadline to file a mechanic’s lien in California?

In California, a direct contractor must record its claim of lien after completing its contract and before the earlier of 90 days after the work of improvement is completed or 60 days after the owner records a notice of completion or cessation. A claimant with a direct contract with the owner must give preliminary notice only to the construction lender, if there is one. Completion includes actual completion, the owner occupying or using the property after labor stops, or 60 continuous days without labor. An action to enforce the lien must be commenced within 90 days after the claim of lien is recorded, or the claim expires and cannot be enforced. A subcontractor or supplier often has different notice requirements and deadlines. This is Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8412, 8200, 8180, 8460.

WhatCalifornia
Deadline to file the lien90 days after completion (60 after notice)
Who this deadline is forA contractor hired directly by the owner

Source

Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8412, 8200, 8180, 8460

Read the statute in the California Codes (California Legislative Information): leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

Checked against the statute on November 13, 2026.

This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.

How Seayora uses this rule

A contractor on Seayora keeps every job’s dates, its estimate, its invoices and its payments in one record, so the date work was last performed and the amount still owed are on file when a lien deadline is counted.

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