What is a mechanics lien in California?

A mechanics lien is a legal claim against a property by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who was not paid for work or materials. Under California Civil Code §8000 et seq., a valid lien attaches to the property title and can force a sale to satisfy the debt. It is one of the most powerful collection tools in California construction law.

How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in California?

Deadlines are strict. Direct contractors (general contractors) must file within 90 days of completion of the project or their contract. Subcontractors and suppliers must file within 90 days of the date they last performed work or supplied materials. Missing the deadline permanently extinguishes the lien right.

What can I do if someone filed a mechanics lien on my property?

Property owners have several options: verify whether the lien is procedurally valid, send a demand to release an improper lien, petition the court to discharge the lien if it's defective, post a lien release bond, or negotiate a settlement. An improperly filed lien can give rise to a claim for wrongful lien against the claimant.

Can a subcontractor file a mechanics lien even if the general contractor was paid?

Yes. In California, subcontractors and suppliers have independent lien rights against the property regardless of whether the owner paid the general contractor. This is one reason property owners should require unconditional lien releases before making final payment to a general contractor.

What is a preliminary notice and why does it matter?

A preliminary notice (also called a 20-day preliminary notice) must be served on the owner, general contractor, and lender within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Subcontractors and suppliers who fail to serve this notice lose their lien rights. Direct contractors are exempt from this requirement.

What is a lien release bond?

A lien release bond (also called a discharge bond) allows a property owner to post a bond — typically 125% of the lien amount — to release the lien from the property title. This frees the property for sale or refinancing while the underlying payment dispute is resolved in court.

Jayson Elliott, Esq.Bay Legal PC · Palo Alto, CA

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CA Bar No. 332479All 58 California counties

Written by Jayson Elliott · Attorney, Bay Legal PC · CA Bar No. 332479 · Last reviewed April 2026

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Gravamen de Mecánico en California — Sus Derechos

La ley de gravámenes de mecánico de California protege a los contratistas, subcontratistas y proveedores de materiales que no han sido pagados por su trabajo. Tiene derechos legales poderosos — y plazos estrictos para ejercerlos.

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Información Legal — No Asesoría Legal: Esta página proporciona información general sobre la ley de gravámenes de mecánico de California. No constituye asesoría legal para su situación específica. Consulte a un abogado con licencia antes de tomar decisiones legales.

¿Qué es un Gravamen de Mecánico?

Un gravamen de mecánico (mechanics lien) es una reclamación legal contra una propiedad por parte de un contratista, subcontratista o proveedor de materiales que no fue pagado por su trabajo. Bajo el Código Civil de California §8000 y siguientes, un gravamen válido se adjunta al título de la propiedad y puede forzar una venta para satisfacer la deuda.

¿Quién Tiene Derecho a Presentar un Gravamen?

Cualquier persona que haya proporcionado mano de obra, servicios, equipos o materiales en un proyecto de construcción — incluyendo contratistas generales, subcontratistas, proveedores de materiales, arrendatarios de equipos y algunos profesionales del diseño.

Plazos Críticos

⚠ Los plazos son estrictos e improrrogables. Si pierde el plazo para presentar su gravamen, pierde permanentemente su derecho a cobrar mediante este mecanismo.

Aviso Preliminar (Preliminary Notice): Debe ser entregado dentro de los 20 días siguientes al primer día de trabajo o entrega de materiales (para subcontratistas y proveedores)
Presentación del Gravamen: Dentro de los 90 días siguientes a la última fecha de trabajo (sin Aviso de Terminación) o 30 días después de que se registre un Aviso de Terminación
Demanda de Ejecución Hipotecaria: Dentro de los 90 días siguientes a la fecha de registro del gravamen

El Aviso Preliminar — Paso Esencial

Los subcontratistas y proveedores deben enviar un aviso preliminar dentro de los 20 días posteriores al comienzo del trabajo. Este aviso debe ser enviado al propietario, al contratista general y al prestamista de la construcción. Si no se envía a tiempo, sus derechos de gravamen pueden quedar limitados.

¿Qué Pasa si el Propietario Ya Pagó al Contratista General?

En California, los subcontratistas tienen derechos de gravamen independientes contra la propiedad, aunque el propietario ya haya pagado al contratista general. Esta es una de las protecciones más importantes de la ley de gravámenes de California.

Contáctenos — Consulta Gratuita

Bay Legal PC representa a contratistas, subcontratistas y proveedores de materiales en todo California en disputas de pago de construcción y ejecución de gravámenes. Ofrecemos consultas iniciales gratuitas.

Bay Legal PC — Abogados de Gravámenes de Mecánico en California

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Jayson Elliott, Bay Legal PC · Palo Alto, California

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