Professional Design Lien
Most contractors know of mechanics liens for services, labor and material supplied for the improvement of a real property. But few know that there is a design lien for licensed architect, licensed landscape architect registered professional engineer licensed a land surveyor who provides services pursuant to a written contract with a landowner for the design, engineering, or planning of a work of improvement. (Civ. Code § 8300-8319)
Professional Design Lien Requirements
Design liens have stricter requirements then mechanics liens.
- The commencement of the work of improvement for which the design professional provided services.
- 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.
Time to File a Professional Design Lien
A design professional shall record a claim of lien no later than 90 days after the design professional knows or has reason to know that the work of improvement will not be commenced.
Conversion from Professional Design Lien to Mechanics Lien
A design professional may convert a recorded design professional lien to a mechanics lien if all of the following requirements are met:
