Notice of Intent to Lien in California
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What Is a Notice of Intent to Lien in California?
A Notice of Intent to Lien (NOI) is a formal written notification sent to the property owner, general contractor, or other responsible parties. It states that if payment isn't received within a specific timeframe, typically 10 days, you intend to file a California mechanics lien against the property.
Although not legally required in California, a Notice of Intent to Lien is one of the most effective ways to get paid before filing a mechanics lien. It's a final, serious warning that payment is due, without immediately escalating to legal proceedings.
Why Sending a Notice of Intent to Lien Works in California
It Gets You Taken Seriously
Unpaid invoices often go ignored until a formal notice arrives. A Notice of Intent to Lien signals you’re ready to act, creating urgency and making your demand harder to dismiss.
It Protects Relationships
Instead of jumping to a lien, an NOI offers a professional, final warning. It shows good faith and gives your customer one last chance to resolve the issue, often preserving working relationships.
It Saves Time, Money & Legal Trouble
Filing a lien is expensive and slow. A Notice of Intent often gets results without going that far, saving you time, legal fees, and unnecessary stress.
Who Should Use This Service?
If you’ve provided labor, materials, or services on a construction project in California and haven’t been paid, you are likely eligible to file a lien and, therefore, eligible to send a Notice of Intent to Lien.
This includes:
General contractors
Subcontractors
Material and equipment suppliers
Engineers, architects, and designers
Consultants and laborers
Anyone with a valid lien right in California
When to Send the Notice?
Timing is critical. Although the Notice of Intent is not required in California, you should send it before filing a mechanics lien, typically at least 10 days in advance. That gives the recipient a fair chance to respond and can keep things from escalating.
You should consider sending a Notice of Intent if:
You’ve already submitted a California Preliminary Notice
You’ve completed the work or delivered materials
Your payment is past due
You want to avoid lien filing but protect your legal options
Why Contractors Trust Easy Law
Trusted Experts
Since 1985, we've handled thousands of notices and lien filings.
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Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or confusing paperwork.
Human Support
Real people, ready to guide you through every step of the notice process.
Fast & Reliable Service
Quick turnaround to help protect your payment rights on every project.
Join the Contractors Who've Taken Control of Their Payments
"So many people tend to report problems and fail to report the excellence of service one may provide. We feel that the level of excellent service Easy Law provides must be shared with others. The excellent service that Easy Law has provided to A M LaSalle Electric, Inc. since June 2009 is remarkable! Their Team is always available, we have never had to leave a message and quick to respond via email. They always have the answer to our questions. Being an Easy Law client over the years has made my job a whole lot easier and less stressful, they do all the work for you and remind you of important dates on filings when needed. We are proud to be a part of their TEAM!"
- Mary K. Nisbet, A M LaSalle Electric, Inc.
"Easy Law has been a reliable partner of our business. We have worked with their team for many years. Cynthia used to work with us and she was an incredible person; so reliable, kind and professional. We miss her dearly. The team at Easy Law have been wonderful, including Scott, Salina and others. A huge thank you Easy Law!"
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Common Questions About Sending a Notice of Intent to Lien
Is a Notice of Intent to Lien required in California?
No, it’s not required by law—but it’s highly effective at prompting payment before filing a mechanics lien.
Who should send a Notice of Intent to Lien?
Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and others with valid lien rights in California who are owed payment.
When should I send a Notice of Intent?
Send it at least 10 days before filing a lien, after work is complete and payment is overdue.
What happens if it doesn’t work?
You can still move forward with filing a mechanics lien. The Notice simply gives the other party one last chance to pay.
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Even in states where a notice of intent to lien is not mandatory, notifying the affected parties is never a bad practice. For those states, Easy Law offers an Intent to Lien letter which is sent to all parties involved in the construction project. It states if the matter is not resolved within ten working days the claimant will follow through with a Mechanics Lien.