Mechanics Lien Warning and lien releases

Not legal advice. This page is a plain-English summary for general information. It may be incomplete, and the statute text controls. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the Contractors State License Board or any government agency. For advice about your contract, consult a licensed California attorney.

What the statute says

Short quotes and close paraphrases; “…” marks omitted text. Read the full section at the link.

Bus. & Prof. Code §7159(e)(4)

A notice with the heading “Mechanics Lien Warning” written as follows: “Anyone who helps improve your property, but who is not paid, may record what is called a mechanics lien on your property. …”

Bus. & Prof. Code §7159(c)(4)

The contract shall include a statement that, upon satisfactory payment being made for any portion of the work performed, the contractor, prior to any further payment being made, shall furnish … a full and unconditional release from any potential lien claimant claim or mechanics lien … for that portion of the work for which payment has been made.

Bus. & Prof. Code §7159.5(a)(6)

The release is to be furnished if requested.

In plain English

The contract must contain the full Mechanics Lien Warning text from the statute, under that heading.
It must also say that after each satisfactory payment, and before the next one, you will furnish an unconditional lien release for the work paid for.
A contractor with a registrar-approved bond or joint control may leave out the Mechanics Lien Warning (see the bond page).

What the checklist looks for

The heading and key sentences of the warning (a partial or reworded warning shows as “review” with the text it saw).
The release statement.

What it can't check

Whether the whole warning is word-for-word.
Whether releases are actually given.

Sources

Bus. & Prof. Code §7159(c)(4), (e)(4) (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7159)
Bus. & Prof. Code §7159.5(a)(6), (a)(8) (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=7159.5)

Open the checklist (runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded).

Last checked against the statute text on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov on 2026-10-28. Laws change; check the current text. Lathcheck is a working name and prototype.