20 Day Notice California Form – Fill Out and Use This PDF

20 Day Notice California Form PDF Details

The 20 Day Notice California form is a required preliminary notice that protects the lien rights of subcontractors, material suppliers, and equipment lessors on construction projects. It must be served within 20 days of first furnishing labor, materials, or equipment to the project. Work performed more than 20 days before the notice is served is not protected by lien rights.

Who Must Send the 20 Day Notice?

The following parties are generally required to serve a 20 Day Notice in California:

• Subcontractors at all tiers (not just first-tier)
• Material suppliers and equipment lessors
• Design professionals such as architects and engineers
• Laborers (with specific wage thresholds)

General contractors with a direct contract with the property owner are typically exempt from this requirement.

Required Information on the Form

A valid California 20 Day Preliminary Notice must include the following information:

• Name and address of the person furnishing labor, materials, or equipment
• A description of labor, materials, or equipment being furnished
• The estimated value of the labor, materials, or equipment
• The name and address of the person who hired the claimant
• The property owner's name and address
• A description of the property where services are being performed

How to Serve the 20 Day Notice

In California, the 20 Day Notice must be served on the property owner, the general contractor, and the construction lender (if any). It must be delivered by first-class mail, certified mail, or personal delivery. Failing to serve all required parties may limit or void your lien rights.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Serving the notice after 20 days does not eliminate your lien rights entirely. A late 20 Day Notice protects labor and materials furnished in the 20 days before the notice was sent. However, any work or materials provided more than 20 days before the notice date lose lien protection. For this reason, it is best to send the notice at the start of your work on the project.

Related California Construction Forms

You may also need these related forms for your California construction project:

• California Preliminary 20-Day Notice - standard preliminary notice form for private works projects
• California Preliminary Notice Private Works - for private construction projects in California
• California Mechanics Lien Form - file this after a payment dispute to enforce your lien rights