California notice of intent to lien template

A notice of intent to lien is a demand that often gets you paid before you ever record a lien. Below is a plain-English template you can adapt, followed by notes on each section. There’s no required form in California — clarity and a firm deadline are what matter.

Sample notice of intent to lien

NOTICE OF INTENT TO LIEN

Date: [DATE]

To:   [OWNER / REPUTED OWNER NAME AND ADDRESS]
      [GENERAL CONTRACTOR NAME AND ADDRESS]
      [CONSTRUCTION LENDER NAME AND ADDRESS, IF ANY]

Re:   Property at [PROJECT ADDRESS], [CITY], CA [ZIP]
      Assessor's Parcel Number (APN): [APN]

This letter is formal notice that the undersigned furnished labor and/or
materials to the project at the address above and has not been paid.

Amount currently due and unpaid:  $[AMOUNT]
For:                              [DESCRIPTION OF LABOR / MATERIALS]
First date of furnishing:         [DATE]
Last date of furnishing:          [DATE]

Unless full payment of $[AMOUNT] is received on or before [DEADLINE DATE],
the undersigned intends to record a Mechanics Lien against the property
under California Civil Code sections 8400 et seq. A recorded mechanics lien
may cloud title to the property and affect any sale, refinance, or
construction loan disbursement.

You can avoid this by remitting payment to the address below before the
deadline stated above.

[YOUR NAME / COMPANY]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE] | [EMAIL]
[CONTRACTOR LICENSE NUMBER, IF APPLICABLE]

What each part should say

• Recipients — the owner or reputed owner, the general contractor, and the construction lender if there is one.
• Project ID— the property address and assessor’s parcel number, so there’s no doubt which job you mean.
• Amount and work — the exact unpaid balance and a short description of the labor or materials you furnished.
• Deadline — a specific date by which payment must be received before you record a mechanics lien.
• Your details — company name, address, phone, email, and license number if you hold one.

How to send it

Send it by certified mail with return receipt and keep your copy. Make sure the payment deadline leaves you enough time to still record your lien on schedule — 90 days from completion, or as little as 30 days if a Notice of Completion has been recorded.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. California lien and notice deadlines are strict and fact-specific — “completion” alone can be triggered by actual completion, the owner’s occupancy or use, or a 60-day cessation of labor. Notice Harbor is not a law firm. Confirm any deadline that matters to your claim with a licensed California construction attorney.