Visit the California Contractor's State License Board (CSLB) website
for more information: www.cslb.gov/

Contractors and Rights

Contractors need to be maintain the proper licensing and bonding for their work in the state of California. The CSLB website above is helpful regarding requirements.

Contractors who have performed work and provided materials have a right to be paid for their work based upon the construction contract.

Construction Workers and Rights

Contractors, subcontractors and construction workers in California have a right to be paid for their work (labor and materials provided) and may file a mechanic's lien to protect their ability to recover the proper compensation for their work.

What is a Mechanic's Lien

The basis for mechanic's liens can be found in the California State Constitution, Article XIV:

3. Mechanics, persons furnishing materials, artisans, and laborers of every class, shall have a lien upon the property upon which they have bestowed labor or furnished material for the value of such labor done and material furnished; and the Legislature shall provide, by law, for the speedy and efficient enforcement of such liens. (Adopted June 8, 1976.)

NOTE: Persons entitled to claim liens are listed in the California Civil Code, section 3110.

A mechanics lien is filed in the County Recorder's Office on the property where the work was performed and services delivered. It can be enforced through a court action to foreclose the mechanics lien to be filed in the applicable state court. Once payment or a settlement has been obtained, the action should be dismissed and the lien should be released.

Problems with a Contractor or Construction Job

Before having construction work performed, consumers should always check the licensing of the contractors from whom they obtain bids or estimates and ask for and check references. Always get the construction contract in writing.

If you are having problems with a contractor, you have the right to file a complaint with the CSLB. The CLSB website above provides information on the steps to do this.