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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 4Pt. 6Ch. 4Art. 4§ 8444 Property Owner Nonresponsibility Notice

§ 8444 Property Owner Nonresponsibility Notice

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

§ 8444 Property Owner Nonresponsibility Notice

Key Takeaways

  • •If you own property but didn't ask for work to be done on it, you can say you're not responsible for paying for that work.
  • •You have to sign a special paper (notice) saying you're not responsible and include details like your name and who else might be involved.
  • •You must put up this notice where people can see it and officially record it within 10 days of finding out about the work.

Example

Someone builds a fence on your land without your permission.

You can write and sign a notice saying you didn't ask for the fence and won't pay for it. You have to put this notice on your property and record it officially within 10 days of finding out about the fence.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8444 Property Owner Nonresponsibility Notice

(a) An owner of real property or a person claiming an interest in real property on which a work of improvement is situated that did not contract for the work of improvement may give notice of nonresponsibility. (b) A notice of nonresponsibility shall be signed and verified by the owner. (c) The notice shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 8100) of Title 1. (d) The notice shall also include all of the following information: (1) The nature of the owner’s title or interest. (2) The name of a purchaser under contract, if any, or lessee, if known. (3) A statement that the person giving the notice is not responsible for claims arising from the work of improvement. (e) A notice of nonresponsibility is not effective unless, within 10 days after the person giving notice has knowledge of the work of improvement, the person both posts and records the notice. (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

notice of nonresponsibilitywork of improvementowner’s titlepurchaser under contractlessee

Related Statutes

  • § 8442 Lien Attachment To Property
  • § 8440 Mechanic'S Lien Attachment Scope
  • § 8448 Residential Unit Lien Timing
  • § 1213 Recorded Property Conveyance Notice
  • § 1214 Recording Priority For Property

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 8444.
View Official Source