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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 4Pt. 6Ch. 3§ 8306 Design Professional Lien Expiration

§ 8306 Design Professional Lien Expiration

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

§ 8306 Design Professional Lien Expiration

Key Takeaways

  • •If a designer (like an architect) files a lien, they have a legal claim on the property for unpaid work.
  • •The lien disappears automatically if construction starts or after 90 days if the designer doesn’t sue to enforce it.
  • •If the property owner pays the designer, the designer must officially cancel the lien.

Example

An architect designs a house but doesn’t get paid. They file a lien on the property.

The lien gives the architect a legal claim, but it goes away if construction starts or if the architect doesn’t sue within 90 days. If the owner pays, the architect must remove the lien.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8306 Design Professional Lien Expiration

(a) On recordation of the claim of lien, a lien is created in favor of the named design professional. (b) The lien automatically expires and is null and void and of no further force or effect on the occurrence of either of the following events: (1) The commencement of the work of improvement for which the design professional provided services. (2) The expiration of 90 days after recording the claim of lien, unless the design professional commences an action to enforce the lien within that time. (c) If the landowner partially or fully satisfies the lien, the design professional shall execute and record a document that evidences a partial or full satisfaction and release of the lien, as applicable. (Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 697, Sec. 20. (SB 189) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative July 1, 2012, by Sec. 105 of Ch. 697 and by Section 8052.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

liendesign professionalrecordationwork of improvementsatisfaction and release

Related Statutes

  • § 8304 Design Professional Lien Requirements
  • § 8310 Design Professional Lien Preservation
  • § 8316 Lien Priority Over Recorded Interests
  • § 8300 Design Professional Definition
  • § 8302 Design Professional Lien Rights

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 8306.
View Official Source