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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 3Pt. 1Ch. 3§ 1511 Excused Performance Delays

§ 1511 Excused Performance Delays

Civil Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1511 Excused Performance Delays

This law says that if someone can't do what they promised because of certain reasons, they're excused, and if the other side stops the work, the person still gets any benefits they would have gotten.

Key Takeaways

  • •You can be excused from doing something if the creditor or law prevents you.
  • •If the creditor stops performance, you still keep any benefits you would have gotten.
  • •You must give written notice if you plan to ask for more time or sue, and the notice must be reasonable.

Example

A contractor is supposed to build a deck but a sudden storm destroys the wood and tools, so he can't finish on time.

Because the storm is an irresistible cause, the contractor is excused from finishing, and the homeowner still gets any benefits they would have gotten if the deck was built.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1511 Excused Performance Delays

The want of performance of an obligation, or of an offer of performance, in whole or in part, or any delay therein, is excused by the following causes, to the extent to which they operate: 1. When such performance or offer is prevented or delayed by the act of the creditor, or by the operation of law, even though there may have been a stipulation that this shall not be an excuse; however, the parties may expressly require in a contract that the party relying on the provisions of this paragraph give written notice to the other party or parties, within a reasonable time after the occurrence of the event excusing performance, of an intention to claim an extension of time or of an intention to bring suit or of any other similar or related intent, provided the requirement of such notice is reasonable and just; 2. When it is prevented or delayed by an irresistible, superhuman cause, or by the act of public enemies of this state or of the United States, unless the parties have expressly agreed to the contrary; or, 3. When the debtor is induced not to make it, by any act of the creditor intended or naturally tending to have that effect, done at or before the time at which such performance or offer may be made, and not rescinded before that time. (Amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1730.) [1512.]     Section Fifteen Hundred and Twelve. If the performance of an obligation be prevented by the creditor, the debtor is entitled to all the benefits which he would have obtained if it had been performed by both parties. (Amended by Code Amendments 1873-74, Ch. 612.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

want of performanceobligationexcusedcreditordebtorbenefits

Related Statutes

  • § 1515 Creditor Refusal Of Performance
  • § 1476 Creditor Directed Performance Extinguishment
  • § 1478 Payment Application Rules
  • § 1499 Debtor'S Right To Receipt
  • § 1502 Transfer Of Title Performance

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1511.
View Official Source