California Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 90 Days after Completion for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in California, what notice comes first, and the deadline to sue, worked on three dates.
Not legal advice. General information from each state's lien statute, checked Oct 29, 2026, for a contractor hired directly by the owner of an existing home. Dates are calendar arithmetic; some states move a deadline that lands on a weekend or holiday and some don't, and a recorded notice of completion or commencement can change the clock. Before you rely on a date, check with a construction attorney in your state.
The rule in California
90 days after completion
Record within 90 days after the project is complete, or 60 days after a recorded completion notice. Serve the homeowner a copy with the required Notice of Mechanics Lien.
90 days after recording
Sue to foreclose within 90 days after recording, or the lien expires.
Warning in the contract
None to the homeowner. If there is a construction lender, notify it within 20 days of starting. Your contract must include the Mechanics Lien Warning.
Check first
Home improvement contracts must be in writing and include the Mechanics Lien Warning. There is no separate lien deadline for owner-occupied homes. Where the work needs a state license, an unlicensed contractor can't sue to collect or enforce a lien.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code 8200, 8412, 8460; Bus. & Prof. Code 7031, 7159 (public.law mirror of Cal. Civil Code (8200, 8412, 8460), verified Oct 2026)
“Ninety days after completion of the work of improvement.”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | Sep 9, 2026 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | Jan 27, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Feb 18, 2027 | May 19, 2027 |
Suit dates assume you record the lien on its last day; record earlier and a suit deadline that runs from recording comes earlier. Dates are calendar arithmetic and aren't moved off weekends or holidays.
Also check
- Where the work needs a state license, an unlicensed contractor can't sue to collect or enforce a lien.
California lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in California?
Record within 90 days after the project is complete, or 60 days after a recorded completion notice. Serve the homeowner a copy with the required Notice of Mechanics Lien.
How long does a mechanics lien last in California?
Sue to foreclose within 90 days after recording, or the lien expires.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in California?
None to the homeowner. If there is a construction lender, notify it within 20 days of starting. Your contract must include the Mechanics Lien Warning.
Compare other states
How we checked
We read each state's mechanics lien statute on the legislature's site, for a contractor hired directly by the homeowner on an existing home. Two independent research passes covered all 50 states and DC, and a third reviewer checked the result. Where a state's own site would not load, the row names the copy we read. Last checked .
This guide explains the general rule. It is not legal advice.