Why does California only recognize four lien waiver forms?

Because a lien waiver is only enforceable in California if it substantially follows the statutory language in Civil Code §§ 8132–8138: conditional and unconditional versions for progress payments and for final payment. Notice Harbor generates the exact statutory text and helps you pick the right one of the four.

When should I send a conditional waiver instead of an unconditional one?

Send the conditional form whenever the money hasn't landed yet; it takes effect only when the check actually clears. An unconditional waiver is effective the moment you sign it, even if the check later bounces, so it should only follow money that is already in your account. When in doubt, send the conditional form.

How do I create and send a waiver with Notice Harbor?

Pick the payment it covers and the form type. Notice Harbor pre-fills the statutory form from your project details, you e-sign, and the finished waiver is emailed to your customer or downloaded as a PDF. Waivers don't have to be tied to a notice you filed with us, and there's nothing to mail or record.

How much do lien waivers cost on Notice Harbor?

There's no per-waiver fee. Lien waivers are free and unlimited for every Notice Harbor user.

The right lien waiver, every time.

All four California statutory forms, pre-filled from your job details and e-signed in minutes.

Create a Waiver Contact Us

HVAC technician reviewing a project on a tablet at a California job site

Filed in minutesOne simple online form
Reviewed by expertsEvery filing verified before mailing
Court-ready proofUSPS certified mail with tracking
Purpose built for CASpecific lien law focus

Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment

Identifying Information

Name of Claimant: Clean Glass Inc

Name of Customer: Arg Construction Inc

Job Location: 742 Cypress Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805

Owner: Cresta Associates

Through Date: 2026-10-20

Conditional Waiver and Release

This document waives and releases lien, stop payment notice, and payment bond rights the claimant has for labor and service provided, and equipment and material delivered, to the customer on this job through the Through Date of this document. Rights based upon labor or service provided, or equipment or material delivered, pursuant to a written change order that has been fully executed by the parties prior to the date that this document is signed by the claimant, are waived and released by this document, unless listed as an Exception below. This document is effective only on the claimant's receipt of payment from the financial institution on which the following check is drawn:

Maker of Check: Arg Construction Inc

Amount of Check: $45,700.00

Check Payable to: Clean Glass Inc

Your signed waiver has been submitted!

Streamline your lien waivers and collect payments faster.

Exchange conditional and unconditional waivers digitally
Plain-English guidance on which form to send, and when
Waivers pre-filled from your project details
Send professional payment requests instantly

Construction team reviewing project blueprints and a laptop on a job site

Secure your lien rights and get paid what you're owed.

If a GC doesn't pay you, your strongest tool is a mechanics lien. But you can only file one if you sent a preliminary notice within 20 days of starting work.

A preliminary notice is just a letter telling the owner, the GC, and the lender that you're on the job. It isn't a lien and it isn't a threat, and good GCs expect it.

Why subcontractors choose Notice Harbor

One mistake can cost you payment. Notice Harbor ensures accuracy, speed, and compliance, built specifically for California contractors.

Other providers can leave you exposed

Wrong parties listed
Missed deadlines
County clerk errors
Delayed filings
Lost lien rights

How Notice Harbor keeps you covered

Double-checked research
California lien law focus
Next-day lien filings with eRecording
Multiple public-record data sources
Real human support on every filing

What our customers say

Real subs who use Notice Harbor to get paid.

“Filing prelims used to kill half my day. This system pulls the data automatically and I get my prelims done in under five minutes now.”
CMCarlos M.Roofing contractor · Oakland, CA
“I don't have an admin team. This handles the compliance paperwork so I can stay on the job site. Worth every penny.”
DWDavid W.HVAC contractor · San Diego, CA
“The support team is phenomenal. When I had a question on a complex project, a real person walked me through it in minutes. They actually understand the trades.”
RHRobert H.Plumbing contractor · Anaheim, CA