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In the realm of construction and property improvement, the Mechanics Lien California form serves as a crucial tool for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers seeking to secure payment for their work. This legal document allows those who have contributed labor or materials to a project to assert their rights to a property, ensuring they can collect what they are owed. By filing a mechanics lien, individuals can protect their financial interests, creating a public record that notifies property owners and potential buyers of the outstanding debts associated with the property. The form requires specific information, including the property owner's details, a description of the work performed, and the amount owed. Importantly, it must be filed within a designated timeframe to be effective, emphasizing the need for prompt action. Additionally, the mechanics lien process in California includes various steps, such as sending preliminary notices and adhering to strict deadlines, making it essential for those involved in construction to understand the nuances of this form. Ultimately, mastering the Mechanics Lien California form can empower contractors and suppliers, providing them with a legal pathway to ensure they receive fair compensation for their contributions to a project.

Mechanics Lien California Preview

Recording requested by (name):

____________________________________________

When recorded, mail to (name and address):

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Recorder’s Use Only

CLAIM OF MECHANICS LIEN

(Cal. Civ. Code § 8416)

Declaration of Exemption From Gov’t Code § 27388.1 Fee

Transfer is exempt from fee per GC § 27388.1(a)(2):

recorded concurrently “in connection with” transfer subject to DTT

recorded concurrently “in connection with” a transfer of residential dwelling to an owner-occupier

Transfer is exempt from fee per GC 27388.1(a)(1):

Fee cap of $225.00 reached

Not related to real property

1._________________________________________________ (“claimant”) claims a mechanics lien for the labor or services or equipment or materials described in paragraph 2, furnished for a work of improvement on that certain real property located in the County of ____________________________, State of California, and more particularly described as (address and/or sufficient description):______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

2.After deducting all just credits and offsets, the sum of _______________________, together with interest at the rate of ________ per annum from __________________ (date when balance became due), is due claimant for the following labor, materials, services, or equipment: _______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

3.Claimant furnished the labor or services or equipment or materials, at the request of _____________________

_________________________________________________________________ (employer, person, or entity to whom labor, materials, services, or equipment were furnished).

4.The name and address of the owner or reputed owner of the real property is/are: _______________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

5.Claimant's address is: _______________________________________________________________________

Dated __________________________________ _____________________________________________

Claimant

_____________________________________________

Signature of Claimant or Authorized Agent

_____________________________________________

Print Name and Title

VERIFICATION

I, _______________________________________, am the: __________________________________ (“owner,”

“president,” “authorized agent,” “partner,” etc.) of claimant on the foregoing claim of mechanics lien, and am authorized to make this verification for and on its behalf. I have read the foregoing claim of mechanics lien and know the contents of the claim of mechanics lien to be true of my own knowledge.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Dated __________________________________ _____________________________________________

Signature

NOTICE OF MECHANICS LIEN CLAIM

ATTENTION!

Upon the recording of the enclosed MECHANICS LIEN with the county recorder's office of the county where the property is located, your property is subject to the filing of a legal action seeking a court-ordered foreclosure sale of the real property on which the lien has been recorded. That legal action must be filed with the court no later than 90 days after the date the mechanics lien is recorded.

The party identified in the enclosed mechanics lien may have provided labor or materials for improvements to your property and may not have been paid for these items. You are receiving this notice because it is a required step in filing a mechanics lien foreclosure action against your property. The foreclosure action will seek to pay for unpaid labor, materials, or improvements provided to your property. This may affect your ability to borrow against, refinance, or sell the property until the mechanics lien is release.

BECAUSE THE LIEN AFFECTS YOUR PROPERTY, YOU MAY WISH TO SPEAK WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR IMMEDIATELY, OR CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MECHANICS LIENS GO TO THE CONTRACTORS' STATE LICENSE BOARD WEB SITE AT www.cslb.ca.gov.

PROOF OF SERVICE AFFIDAVIT

California Civil Code section 8416

Failure to serve the Mechanic’s Lien and Notice of Mechanic’s Lien on the owner, or alternatively if the owner cannot be served on the lender or direct contractor, shall cause the Mechanic’s Lien to be unenforceable as a matter of law (Civil Code Section 8024(d)). Service of the Mechanic’s Lien and Notice of Mechanic’s Lien must be by (1) registered mail, (2) certified mail, or (3) first-class mail evidenced by a certificate of mailing, postage prepaid, and to a residence or business address for the owner, lender or contractor. Further, a Proof of Service Affidavit (below) must be completed and signed by the person serving the Mechanic’s Lien and Notice of Mechanic’s Lien. This page should be completed (either one of the sections below) and recorded with the County Recorder along with the Mechanic’s Lien and Notice of Mechanic’s Lien.

PROOF OF SERVICE AFFIDAVIT (ON OWNER)

California Civil Code section 8416(a)(7) and (c)(1)

I, ______________________________ (name), declare that I served a copy of this Mechanic’s Lien and

Notice of Mechanic’s Lien by registered mail, certified mail, or first-class mail evidenced by a certificate of mailing, postage prepaid, addressed as follows to the owner(s) or reputed owner(s) of the property:

Company/Person Served: ________________________________________________________________

Title or capacity of person served (if appropriate): ______________________________________________

Service address: ________________________________________________________________________

Said service address is the owner’s residence, place of business, or address showed by the building permit on file with the permitting authority for the work.

Executed on ___________, 20_____ (date) at __________________ (city), _____________________

(county), California.

By: _____________________________________

(Signature of person making service)

ALTERNATE PROOF OF SERVICE AFFIDAVIT (ON LENDER OR DIRECT CONTRACTOR)

California Civil Code Section 8416(a)(7) and (c)(2)

I, ____________________________________________________ (name), declare that the owner or

reputed owner cannot be served with a copy of this Mechanic’s Lien and Notice of Mechanic’s Lien by registered mail, certified mail, or first-class mail. Pursuant to California civil Code section 8416(c )(2), I served a copy of this Mechanic’s Lien and Notice of Mechanic’s Lien by registered mail, certified mail, or first-class mail evidenced by a certificate of mailing, postage prepaid, addressed as follows to the construction lender or direct contractor as follows:

Company/Person Served: ________________________________________________________________

Title or capacity of person served (if appropriate): ______________________________________________

Service address: ________________________________________________________________________

Executed on ___________, 20_____ (date) at __________________ (city), _____________________

(county), California.

By: _____________________________________

(Signature of person making service)

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to include the correct property address. It is essential to provide the complete and accurate address of the property where the work was performed. Omitting or miswriting this information can lead to rejection of the lien.

  2. Not identifying the owner of the property. Clearly stating the name of the property owner is crucial. If the owner is not correctly identified, it may complicate the enforcement of the lien.

  3. Missing the required legal description of the property. This description must be precise and can often be found in the property deed. A vague or incorrect legal description can invalidate the lien.

  4. Omitting the amount owed. The total amount due for the work performed must be clearly stated. Leaving this blank or providing an incorrect figure can lead to disputes.

  5. Not including the date work was completed. This date is critical for establishing the timeline for filing the lien. If this date is missing or inaccurate, it may affect the lien’s validity.

  6. Failure to sign the document. A lien must be signed by the claimant or their authorized representative. Without a signature, the document is not legally binding.

  7. Not providing proof of service. It is necessary to include evidence that the lien has been served to the property owner. This step is often overlooked, yet it is vital for the enforcement of the lien.

  8. Using incorrect or outdated forms. Mechanics lien forms can change, and using an outdated version may result in rejection. Always ensure that the latest form is being used.

  9. Neglecting to file the lien within the required timeframe. California law sets strict deadlines for filing a mechanics lien. Missing these deadlines can forfeit the right to file.

  10. Not keeping copies of the submitted documents. It is advisable to maintain copies of all documents submitted, including the lien itself and proof of service. This can be crucial if disputes arise later.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Mechanics Lien form in California, it's crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure your submission is valid and effective. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do provide accurate property information, including the correct address and legal description.
  • Do clearly state the amount owed for the work performed or materials supplied.
  • Do include your contact information, ensuring it’s easy for others to reach you.
  • Do sign and date the form, as an unsigned lien may be deemed invalid.
  • Don't forget to file the lien within the required timeframe, typically within 90 days of your last work or delivery.
  • Don't use vague language; be specific about the services provided or materials supplied.
  • Don't neglect to serve a copy of the lien to the property owner and other relevant parties.

Adhering to these guidelines will help protect your rights and ensure that your Mechanics Lien is processed correctly. Take the time to review each step carefully before submitting your form.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Mechanics Lien process in California is crucial for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are five common misunderstandings:

  • Anyone can file a Mechanics Lien. While many parties involved in construction can file a lien, not everyone has the right. Only those who have provided labor or materials for the improvement of a property can file a lien.
  • A Mechanics Lien guarantees payment. Filing a lien does not automatically ensure that payment will be received. It serves as a legal claim against the property but does not eliminate the need for further action to collect payment.
  • There is no deadline for filing a Mechanics Lien. This is not true. In California, there are strict deadlines. Generally, a lien must be filed within 90 days after the completion of the work or the last delivery of materials.
  • Filing a Mechanics Lien is a simple process. While the form itself may seem straightforward, there are specific legal requirements that must be met. Failing to follow these can result in the lien being invalidated.
  • Once a Mechanics Lien is filed, it cannot be removed. This is a misconception. A lien can be removed if the debt is paid, if the lien is canceled, or if the court rules in favor of the property owner.

By addressing these misconceptions, individuals involved in construction can better navigate the complexities of the Mechanics Lien process in California.

Detailed Guide for Using Mechanics Lien California

Filling out the Mechanics Lien form in California is an important step in ensuring that your rights are protected when you have not been paid for work completed on a property. By following these steps, you can accurately complete the form and submit it correctly.

  1. Obtain the Form: Start by downloading the Mechanics Lien form from the California Secretary of State’s website or acquire a hard copy from a local office.
  2. Fill in Your Information: At the top of the form, provide your name, address, and contact information. Ensure that this information is accurate and up to date.
  3. Property Owner's Information: Next, enter the name and address of the property owner. Double-check the spelling and accuracy of the information.
  4. Property Description: Describe the property where the work was performed. Include the address and any additional details that help identify the property.
  5. Claim Amount: Clearly state the amount you are claiming. This should reflect the total unpaid balance for the work completed.
  6. Details of Work: Provide a brief description of the work performed. Be concise but thorough in explaining the services rendered.
  7. Sign and Date: Sign the form and include the date of signing. This step is crucial as it validates your claim.
  8. Notarization: Depending on the requirements, you may need to have the form notarized. Check local regulations to confirm.
  9. File the Lien: Submit the completed form to the county recorder’s office in the county where the property is located. Be mindful of any filing fees that may apply.
  10. Notify the Owner: After filing, send a copy of the lien to the property owner. This ensures they are aware of your claim.