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How can I file a lein

I recently finished a month long demo project and I am waiting to be paid my bills are piling up and not hearing from GC seems he is avoiding me how can. I file a lein

1 reply

Feb 5, 2020

Good news first: California specifically considers "demolition or removal" as part of a work of improvement sufficient to give rise to mechanics lien protection. However, and here's the part that may not be as good, California also requires certain preliminary notice to be given in order for construction participants to retain the ability to file a valid and enforceable lien. Parties who do not contract directly with the property owner must provide preliminary notice to the owner, GC, and construction lender (if any) within 20 days from first furnishing work or materials to the project in order to fully protect lien rights. This notice can be given late, but will only protect the ability to file a lien for the value of the work performed beginning 20 days prior to the date on which the notice was sent. If there is still time to deliver a notice to protect some of the work, then the mechanics lien may be filed - provided not more than 90 days have elapsed since the project was completed. A step-by-step breakdown of how to file a mechanics lien in California can be found here, and a link to every county recorder in California is available here. Of course, you can also make the process easier by using a software service so you can complete your lien electronically.

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