A contractor put a mechanics lien on my house in California. How do I get it removed?
Based on an interview with Josué Cristóbal Guerrero, Founding Partner, recorded .
The short answer
To clear a mechanics lien or similar property lien from your home, look at the two deadlines first. A contractor has limited time to record a lien, then 90 days after recording to file a lawsuit to enforce it. If they miss that, the lien expires and is unenforceable, and you can ask the court to order your property released from it.
The two deadlines
To record: a direct contractor must record the lien after finishing the contract and before the earlier of 90 days after the whole project is completed, or 60 days after you record a notice of completion or cessation. Subcontractors and suppliers get 30 days after that notice rather than 60.
To sue: the contractor must file an action to enforce the lien within 90 days after recording it, unless a recorded extension of credit changes the date.
Getting it off your title
If the contractor has not sued in time, you first send a written demand that they record a release, at least 10 days before going to court. Then you can petition for a release order. At the hearing the contractor has to prove the lien is valid, and the winner is entitled to reasonable attorney fees, which cuts both ways.
Which deadline applies and how they fit together is sometimes fact specific, so get the exact dates from an attorney.
- Civil Code section 8412. Direct contractor's deadline to record a claim of lien.
- Civil Code section 8414. Deadline for claimants other than direct contractors.
- Civil Code section 8460. The claimant must sue within 90 days after recording, or the lien expires and is unenforceable.
- Civil Code section 8480. The owner may petition for a release order if no enforcement action was timely filed.
- Civil Code section 8482. The owner must demand a release at least 10 days before petitioning.
- Civil Code section 8488. The claimant bears the burden on the lien's validity, and the prevailing party is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees.
This answer is general information about California law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Deadlines and exceptions turn on your facts. Code sections were checked against California Legislative Information on November 4, 2026.
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