Avoid a $75,000+ loss from a missed deadline
California Lien Deadlines for Material Suppliers
California requires a "Notice of Unpaid Lien" to be provided to the owner before filing a lien if you don't have a direct contract.
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California is High Risk for Suppliers
California is High Risk for Suppliers California is deadline-sensitive at multiple stages: the preliminary notice is tied to the first furnishing date, the lien filing period is tied to project completion, and enforcement can require action soon after recording. If your team tracks dates inconsistently, California can quietly become a rights-losing state.
California Lien Deadlines
| Deadline Type | Timing | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Notice | Within 20 days of first providing materials | Material suppliers should send the preliminary notice within 20 days from the first date materials are provided. If you miss this window, you may limit or lose recoverable lien rights for earlier deliveries. |
| Lien Filing | 90 days after completion of the project as a whole | The mechanics lien deadline is tied to project completion. If you wait until collections escalates, you may already be outside the filing window. |
| Enforcement / Foreclosure | 90 days after recording the claim | After recording the lien, enforcement can require action within a short time frame. Track your recording date like a hard deadline and coordinate quickly if payment doesn't come in. |
| Notice Method | Registered, certified, or first-class mail with certificate | California allows registered mail, certified mail, or first-class mail with a certificate of mailing for notices. Keep proof of sending and delivery details in your job file. |
| Statutes | California Civil Code | California Civil Code §§ 8000-9566; §8412; §8414; §8400 et seq. |
Common Supplier Mistakes in California
California Lien Deadlines
Deadline Type Timing Details Preliminary Notice Within 20 days of first providing materials Material suppliers should send the preliminary notice within 20 days from the first date materials are provided. If you miss this window, you may limit or lose recoverable lien rights for earlier deliveries. Lien Filing 90 days after completion of the project as a whole The mechanics lien deadline is tied to project completion. If you wait until collections escalates, you may already be outside the filing window. Enforcement / Foreclosure 90 days after recording the claim After recording the lien, enforcement can require action within a short time frame. Track your recording date like a hard deadline and coordinate quickly if payment doesn't come in. Notice Method Registered, certified, or first-class mail with certificate California allows registered mail, certified mail, or first-class mail with a certificate of mailing for notices. Keep proof of sending and delivery details in your job file. Statutes California Civil Code California Civil Code §§ 8000-9566; §8412; §8414; §8400 et seq.
Sending the Preliminary Notice Too Late
California's preliminary notice is tied to the first furnishing date. If you delay sending it, you can weaken your leverage or lose rights tied to earlier deliveries.
Using the Wrong "Completion" Date
The lien filing window is tied to completion of the project as a whole—not your last delivery alone. If your internal file uses a different "end date," you can miscalculate the filing deadline.
Treating Recording as the Finish Line
Recording the lien is not the end. California can require enforcement action within 90 days after recording. If you don't track the recording date, you can lose rights after doing the hard part.
Not Keeping Proof of Mailing
Notices need defensible proof of sending. If your process doesn't capture mailing evidence reliably, you create avoidable disputes later.
Not Sure Which Date Controls?
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When is California's preliminary notice due for suppliers?
The preliminary notice is due within 20 days of first providing materials. Track the first furnishing date per job so the notice doesn't slip.
What is the mechanics lien filing deadline in California?
The lien filing deadline for material suppliers is 90 days after completion of the project as a whole. If you're unsure what date "completion" means for a specific job, use the calculator as your first check.
How long do I have to enforce a California lien?
Enforcement is due 90 days after recording the claim. Don't treat recording as the end—recording starts the enforcement clock.
How should suppliers send notices in California?
California allows registered mail, certified mail, or first-class mail with a certificate of mailing. Keep proof of mailing in your job file.
What's the fastest way to avoid missing deadlines?
Use a consistent workflow: record first furnishing date, monitor completion date signals, and track the lien recording date as a separate enforcement trigger. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify deadlines with a licensed California construction attorney.
Not Sure Which Deadline Applies?
Calculate your California lien deadline in seconds
Calculate Your DeadlineSelect California in the calculator to get your specific deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
Sending the Preliminary Notice Too Late
California's preliminary notice is tied to the first furnishing date. If you delay sending it, you can weaken your leverage or lose rights tied to earlier deliveries.
Using the Wrong "Completion" Date
The lien filing window is tied to completion of the project as a whole—not your last delivery alone. If your internal file uses a different "end date," you can miscalculate the filing deadline.
Treating Recording as the Finish Line
Recording the lien is not the end. California can require enforcement action within 90 days after recording. If you don't track the recording date, you can lose rights after doing the hard part.
Not Keeping Proof of Mailing
Notices need defensible proof of sending. If your process doesn't capture mailing evidence reliably, you create avoidable disputes later.
When is California's preliminary notice due for suppliers?
The preliminary notice is due within 20 days of first providing materials. Track the first furnishing date per job so the notice doesn't slip.
What is the mechanics lien filing deadline in California?
The lien filing deadline for material suppliers is 90 days after completion of the project as a whole. If you're unsure what date "completion" means for a specific job, use the calculator as your first check.
How long do I have to enforce a California lien?
Enforcement is due 90 days after recording the claim. Don't treat recording as the end—recording starts the enforcement clock.
How should suppliers send notices in California?
California allows registered mail, certified mail, or first-class mail with a certificate of mailing. Keep proof of mailing in your job file.
What's the fastest way to avoid missing deadlines?
Use a consistent workflow: record first furnishing date, monitor completion date signals, and track the lien recording date as a separate enforcement trigger. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify deadlines with a licensed California construction attorney.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.