CSLB Law & Business ExamInsurance and LiensEasy
A material supplier delivers lumber to a job site on March 1. Under California law, by what date must the supplier serve a preliminary 20-day notice to fully preserve lien rights for all materials furnished?
- AApril 1, since suppliers have 30 days unlike subcontractors
- BOnly after nonpayment occurs, since notice is not required until a dispute arises
- CAnytime before the mechanics lien deadline, since timing does not affect coverage
- DMarch 21, to cover only materials furnished from March 1 forward
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. March 21, to cover only materials furnished from March 1 forward
The preliminary notice must generally be served within 20 days after the claimant first furnishes labor, service, equipment, or materials to fully protect the entire scope of work. Serving it on March 21 (20 days after March 1) preserves rights for everything furnished from the first day forward.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Suppliers are subject to the same 20-day rule as subcontractors, not 30 days.
- B. Preliminary notice is a proactive filing requirement, not triggered by nonpayment.
- C. Timing matters greatly; late notice only protects materials furnished within 20 days before service and afterward.
20-Day Preliminary Notice Timing
To preserve full lien rights, a claimant must serve the preliminary notice within 20 days after first furnishing labor or materials to the project.
- Notice counted from date of first furnishing
- Late notice only covers 20 days retroactively plus future work
- Direct contractors with the owner are exempt from this notice
Memory trick: 20 days from day one keeps your lien rights spun.