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Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment
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CONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE ON PROGRESS PAYMENT


IMPORTANT STATUTORY NOTICE

WARNING: Twelve (12) states currently mandate specific statutory lien waiver forms: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. In those jurisdictions, a lien waiver that does not substantially comply with the prescribed statutory form is unenforceable and void. Before using this template, confirm whether your state requires a statutory form and, if so, use the state-prescribed form instead. This universal template is designed for jurisdictions that do not prescribe a mandatory form, or as a reference and drafting guide for customization by licensed counsel.


NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES

THIS DOCUMENT WAIVES THE CLAIMANT'S LIEN, STOP PAYMENT NOTICE, AND PAYMENT BOND RIGHTS EFFECTIVE ON RECEIPT OF PAYMENT. A PERSON SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS DOCUMENT UNLESS SATISFIED THAT THE CLAIMANT HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT.

THIS IS A CONDITIONAL WAIVER. IT DOES NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE UNTIL THE CLAIMANT ACTUALLY RECEIVES PAYMENT AND THE PAYMENT INSTRUMENT HAS BEEN HONORED BY THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ON WHICH IT IS DRAWN. IF THE PAYMENT IS NOT RECEIVED OR THE INSTRUMENT IS DISHONORED, THIS WAIVER IS VOID AND ALL LIEN, STOP PAYMENT NOTICE, AND BOND RIGHTS ARE FULLY PRESERVED.


SECTION 1: WAIVER TYPE SELECTION

Select the type of conditional waiver being executed:

Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment (claimant has NOT yet been paid; waiver becomes effective only upon receipt and clearance of payment)

Conditional Waiver and Release on Final Payment (if final payment, use a separate Final Payment waiver form)

Note: If the claimant HAS already been paid, an Unconditional Waiver and Release should be used instead of this Conditional form. The four standard types of construction lien waivers are:

Waiver Type Payment Status Payment Stage
Conditional - Progress Not yet received During project
Unconditional - Progress Already received and cleared During project
Conditional - Final Not yet received Project completion
Unconditional - Final Already received and cleared Project completion

SECTION 2: PROJECT IDENTIFICATION

Field Information
Project Name: [________________________________]
Project/Job Number: [________________________________]
Job/Project Location (Street Address): [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
County: [________________________________]
Legal Description of Property (if required): [________________________________]
Property Owner: [________________________________]
Owner's Address: [________________________________]
General Contractor: [________________________________]
General Contractor's Address: [________________________________]
Prime Contract Date: [__/__/____]
Project Start Date: [__/__/____]

SECTION 3: CLAIMANT IDENTIFICATION

Field Information
Name of Claimant: [________________________________]
Claimant's Role: ☐ General Contractor ☐ Subcontractor ☐ Sub-subcontractor ☐ Material Supplier ☐ Equipment Lessor ☐ Laborer ☐ Design Professional ☐ Other: [________________]
Claimant's Address: [________________________________]
Claimant's City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
Claimant's Phone: [________________________________]
Claimant's Email: [________________________________]
Claimant's License Number (if applicable): [________________________________]
Claimant's Tax ID/EIN: [________________________________]

SECTION 4: CUSTOMER / HIRING PARTY IDENTIFICATION

Field Information
Name of Customer (party who hired Claimant): [________________________________]
Customer's Address: [________________________________]
Customer's City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
Customer's Phone: [________________________________]
Relationship to Project: ☐ Owner ☐ General Contractor ☐ Subcontractor ☐ Other: [________________]

SECTION 5: PROGRESS PAYMENT INFORMATION

Field Information
Billing Period Start Date: [__/__/____]
Through Date: [__/__/____]
Pay Application/Invoice Number: [________________________________]
Progress Payment Number: [____] of estimated [____] total payments
Total Original Contract/Subcontract Amount: $ [________________________________]
Approved Change Orders to Date: $ [________________________________]
Adjusted Contract Amount: $ [________________________________]
Total Work Completed Through This Period: $ [________________________________]
Total Previously Billed and Paid: $ [________________________________]
Current Progress Payment Amount Requested: $ [________________________________]
Less Retention Withheld (____%): $ [________________________________]
Net Amount of This Progress Payment: $ [________________________________]
Remaining Contract Balance After This Payment: $ [________________________________]

SECTION 6: CONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE

6.1 Conditional Waiver Language

Upon receipt of payment in the amount of $ [________________________________] (the "Payment Amount"), the undersigned Claimant hereby waives and releases any and all lien rights, stop payment notice rights, payment bond rights, and any and all other rights or claims the Claimant has or may have against the property, the Owner, the General Contractor, the construction lender, and/or the surety on any payment bond, to the extent of the Payment Amount, for all labor, services, equipment, and/or materials furnished by the Claimant to the above-referenced project through the Through Date of [__/__/____].

6.2 Condition Precedent to Effectiveness

This waiver and release is expressly conditioned upon, and shall not become effective until, ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:

(a) The Claimant has received the payment described in this document;

(b) The payment instrument (check, draft, electronic fund transfer, or other form of payment) has been finally honored, cleared, and irrevocably credited to the Claimant's account by the financial institution on which it is drawn or through which it is processed;

(c) The payment has not been reversed, stopped, charged back, or otherwise dishonored.

If any of these conditions are not satisfied, this waiver and release is automatically null and void, and the Claimant retains all lien, stop payment notice, bond, and claim rights as if this document had never been executed.

6.3 Payment Instrument Information

Field Information
Form of Payment: ☐ Check ☐ Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT/ACH) ☐ Wire Transfer ☐ Joint Check ☐ Other: [________________]
Maker/Payor of Check: [________________________________]
Check Number: [________________________________]
Check Date: [__/__/____]
Check Amount: $ [________________________________]
Check Payable To: [________________________________]
Bank/Financial Institution: [________________________________]
EFT/Wire Reference Number (if applicable): [________________________________]
Expected Payment Date (if applicable): [__/__/____]

6.4 Scope of Waiver

This conditional waiver and release covers only the following:

(a) Labor, services, equipment, and materials furnished by the Claimant to the above-referenced project through the Through Date specified in Section 5;

(b) Rights based upon labor or service provided, or equipment or material delivered, pursuant to a written change order that has been fully executed by all parties prior to the date of this document, unless listed as an Exception in Section 7 below;

(c) Only the specific Payment Amount stated herein -- this waiver does not release or waive any amount in excess of the Payment Amount.

6.5 Rights NOT Waived

This conditional waiver and release expressly does NOT waive, release, or affect any of the following, regardless of whether listed as Exceptions in Section 7:

(a) Any rights or claims arising from work, labor, services, equipment, or materials furnished after the Through Date;

(b) Any retention or retainage amounts withheld from any payment;

(c) Any rights or claims under any pending, unapproved, or disputed change orders;

(d) Any claims for delay damages, acceleration costs, impact damages, or loss of productivity;

(e) Any claims for breach of contract, warranty claims, or indemnification rights;

(f) Any rights arising under any other contract or project between the parties;

(g) Any previously submitted conditional waivers for which the Claimant has not yet received payment;

(h) Any rights or claims relating to stored materials not yet incorporated into the project (unless specifically included in the Payment Amount);

(i) Any statutory rights that cannot be waived as a matter of law in the applicable jurisdiction.


SECTION 7: EXCEPTIONS TO THIS WAIVER

The Claimant expressly reserves the following rights, claims, and amounts, which are NOT released or waived by this document:

7.1 Retention/Retainage

☐ Retention is withheld on this project.

Field Information
Retention Percentage: [____]%
Total Retention Withheld to Date: $ [________________________________]
Retention Withheld from This Payment: $ [________________________________]
Cumulative Retention Balance: $ [________________________________]

☐ No retention is withheld on this project.

7.2 Disputed Claims

☐ The following disputed claims are expressly excluded from this waiver:

Item No. Description of Disputed Claim Estimated Amount
1. [________________________________] $ [____________]
2. [________________________________] $ [____________]
3. [________________________________] $ [____________]
4. [________________________________] $ [____________]

☐ No disputed claims exist as of the date of this waiver.

7.3 Pending Change Orders

☐ The following pending or unapproved change orders are expressly excluded from this waiver:

Change Order No. Description Date Submitted Amount Claimed
[____] [________________________________] [__/__/____] $ [____________]
[____] [________________________________] [__/__/____] $ [____________]
[____] [________________________________] [__/__/____] $ [____________]
[____] [________________________________] [__/__/____] $ [____________]

☐ No pending change orders exist as of the date of this waiver.

7.4 Extras and Additional Work

☐ The following claims for extra or additional work not covered by this payment are expressly excluded:

Item No. Description of Extra Work Date(s) Performed Amount Claimed
1. [________________________________] [__/__/____] $ [____________]
2. [________________________________] [__/__/____] $ [____________]
3. [________________________________] [__/__/____] $ [____________]

☐ No claims for extras or additional work exist as of the date of this waiver.

7.5 Prior Unpaid Conditional Waivers

☐ The following prior conditional waivers have been submitted but payment has NOT yet been received or cleared:

Waiver Date Period Covered Amount Status
[__/__/____] [________________________________] $ [____________] ☐ Pending ☐ Dishonored
[__/__/____] [________________________________] $ [____________] ☐ Pending ☐ Dishonored

☐ All prior conditional waivers have been satisfied by receipt of payment.

7.6 Delay, Impact, and Other Claims

☐ The following additional claims are expressly excluded from this waiver:

Item No. Type of Claim Description Amount Claimed
1. ☐ Delay ☐ Impact ☐ Acceleration ☐ Other [________________________________] $ [____________]
2. ☐ Delay ☐ Impact ☐ Acceleration ☐ Other [________________________________] $ [____________]

☐ No delay, impact, or other claims exist as of the date of this waiver.

7.7 Other Exceptions

☐ The following additional exceptions apply:

[________________________________]

[________________________________]

☐ No other exceptions apply.


SECTION 8: CLAIMANT'S CERTIFICATIONS AND WARRANTIES

The undersigned Claimant hereby certifies and warrants as follows:

8.1 The Claimant has furnished or caused to be furnished the labor, services, equipment, and/or materials described herein to the above-referenced project through the Through Date.

8.2 The Progress Payment Amount stated in this document accurately represents the amount due and owing for work performed through the Through Date, subject to the Exceptions listed in Section 7.

8.3 The Claimant has paid, or will use the funds received from this progress payment to promptly pay in full, all of the Claimant's laborers, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, materialmen, and suppliers for all work, materials, equipment, and services provided for the above-referenced project through the Through Date, except for any amounts listed as Exceptions.

8.4 The Claimant has no knowledge of any unpaid claims of any person or entity furnishing labor, services, equipment, or materials through the Claimant for the above-referenced project, except as specifically disclosed in the Exceptions.

8.5 The undersigned individual is duly authorized to execute this waiver and release on behalf of the Claimant and has the legal authority to bind the Claimant.

8.6 All information provided in this document is true, correct, and complete to the best of the Claimant's knowledge and belief.

8.7 The Claimant has complied with all applicable preliminary notice, notice to owner, and other statutory notice requirements necessary to preserve lien and bond rights in connection with this project.


SECTION 9: LOWER-TIER WAIVER STATUS

Not Applicable -- Claimant has no lower-tier subcontractors or suppliers on this project.

Lower-Tier Waivers Attached -- Conditional waivers from the following lower-tier subcontractors and suppliers are attached hereto:

Tier Company Name Amount Covered Waiver Attached
[____] [________________________________] $ [____________] ☐ Yes ☐ Pending
[____] [________________________________] $ [____________] ☐ Yes ☐ Pending
[____] [________________________________] $ [____________] ☐ Yes ☐ Pending
[____] [________________________________] $ [____________] ☐ Yes ☐ Pending

Lower-Tier Waivers to Follow -- Claimant will provide lower-tier waivers within [____] business days of receipt of payment.


SECTION 10: SIGNATURE AND EXECUTION

10.1 Claimant's Signature Block

Field Information
Claimant (Company Name): [________________________________]
Authorized Signature: __________________________________________
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Date Signed: [__/__/____]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]

10.2 Acknowledgment of Receipt (Optional)

The undersigned acknowledges receipt of this Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment:

Field Information
Recipient (Company Name): [________________________________]
Authorized Signature: __________________________________________
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Date Received: [__/__/____]

SECTION 11: NOTARIZATION (If Required by Contract or Jurisdiction)

☐ Notarization is required by the governing contract.
☐ Notarization is required by the applicable jurisdiction.
☐ Notarization is being provided voluntarily.
☐ Notarization is not required.

STATE OF [________________________________]

COUNTY OF [________________________________]

On this [____] day of [________________], [____], before me, [________________________________], a Notary Public in and for the above-referenced State and County, personally appeared [________________________________], who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.

I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of [________________________________] that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Field Information
Notary Signature: __________________________________________
Notary Name (Printed): [________________________________]
Commission Number: [________________________________]
My Commission Expires: [__/__/____]

[NOTARY SEAL/STAMP]


SECTION 12: STATE-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS AND VARIATIONS

STATES WITH MANDATORY STATUTORY FORMS

The following twelve (12) states require the use of specific statutory lien waiver forms. In these states, this universal template may NOT be used in place of the prescribed form. Consult the applicable statute and use the state-mandated form.

State Statute Key Requirements
Arizona A.R.S. Section 33-1008 Must substantially follow statutory form; four prescribed waiver types; waiver effective when check is honored by bank
California Civ. Code Section 8132 Must be in substantially the statutory form; non-compliant waivers are unenforceable; covers lien, stop payment notice, and bond rights
Florida Fla. Stat. Section 713.20 As of July 1, 2025, forms must be identical to statutory forms (no longer "substantially similar"); permits conditional language; now accommodates EFT and electronic payments
Georgia O.C.G.A. Section 44-14-366 Interim waivers become unconditional on 90th day after signing unless affidavit of nonpayment is recorded; statutory notice language mandatory
Massachusetts M.G.L. ch. 254, Section 32 Statutory form required; specific notice provisions
Michigan MCL Section 570.1115 Statutory form required; partial conditional waiver effective upon payment; cannot be exchanged in advance of work performed
Mississippi Miss. Code Section 85-7-413 Statutory forms prescribed for all waiver types
Missouri Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 429.005 et seq. Statutory forms prescribed; must substantially comply
Nevada NRS Section 108.2457 Statutory form required; four prescribed waiver types
Texas Tex. Prop. Code Section 53.284 Must substantially comply with statutory form; unenforceable if non-compliant; signer warrants payment to lower tiers
Utah Utah Code Section 38-1a-801 et seq. Statutory forms prescribed for all waiver types
Wyoming Wyo. Stat. Section 29-2-110 Statutory waiver forms mandated

CALIFORNIA (Cal. Civ. Code Sections 8130-8138)

Form Requirement: California mandates use of the statutory form prescribed by Civil Code Section 8132 for conditional waivers on progress payments. Any waiver that does not substantially follow the statutory form is unenforceable.

Key Provisions:
- The statutory form covers lien rights, stop payment notice rights, and payment bond rights
- Waiver is effective only upon receipt of payment from the financial institution on which the check is drawn
- "Through Date" establishes the temporal scope of the waiver
- Exceptions automatically preserved include: (a) retention, (b) extras for which claimant has not received payment, and (c) prior conditional waivers for which payment has not been received
- Claimant need not list retention or prior unpaid conditional waivers as separate exceptions -- they are preserved by operation of the statutory form
- Under Cal. Civ. Code Section 8136, an oral or written statement purporting to waive rights under the mechanic's lien law, other than in compliance with Sections 8132-8138, is void and unenforceable

Practice Note: California practitioners must use the exact statutory language from Section 8132. Do NOT modify the statutory form language, as any material deviation may render the waiver unenforceable.


TEXAS (Tex. Prop. Code Sections 53.281-53.287)

Form Requirement: Texas mandates use of statutory forms under Property Code Section 53.284. A waiver that does not substantially comply is unenforceable.

Key Provisions:
- Four statutory forms prescribed: conditional progress, unconditional progress, conditional final, unconditional final
- The conditional progress payment waiver is used when claimant has NOT been paid or has received only a single payee or joint payee check
- Signer warrants that it has already paid or will use the funds to promptly pay all laborers, subcontractors, materialmen, and suppliers
- Waiver is effective only when check has been properly endorsed and paid by the bank on which it is drawn
- Under Section 53.281, a waiver not complying with the statutory form is unenforceable
- Section 53.282 prohibits requiring a claimant to execute a waiver that does not comply with the statutory forms
- The waiver must include specific notice language prescribed by the statute

Practice Note: Texas requires the signer to include a warranty regarding payment to lower-tier parties. Ensure this warranty is accurate, as it may create independent liability.


FLORIDA (Fla. Stat. Section 713.20)

Form Requirement: Effective July 1, 2025, Florida requires lien waiver forms to be identical to the statutory forms (the word "substantially" was removed from the statute by SB 658). Prior to that date, forms needed only to be "substantially similar."

Key Provisions:
- Two statutory forms: progress payment and final payment
- Florida permits conditional language to be added to the statutory form, making the waiver effective only upon receipt of actual funds (Fla. Stat. Section 713.20(6))
- The 2025 amendments formally accommodate electronic fund transfers (EFTs) and other verifiable payment systems, in addition to checks
- A person may NOT require a lienor to furnish a waiver different from the statutory forms
- The waiver covers the lienor's lien for labor, services, or materials furnished through the specified date
- Florida requires specification of the property description and the name of the owner

Practice Note: Given the 2025 changes eliminating the "substantially similar" standard, Florida practitioners must ensure exact compliance with the statutory form language. Adding conditional language is permitted under Section 713.20(6) but should follow the statutory framework closely.


NEW YORK (N.Y. Lien Law Section 34)

Form Requirement: New York does NOT prescribe a statutory lien waiver form. Parties have flexibility in drafting waiver language, but waivers must comply with important statutory restrictions.

Key Provisions:
- Under N.Y. Lien Law Section 34, any contract or agreement made in advance of furnishing labor or materials that purports to waive the right to file or enforce a mechanic's lien is void as against public policy
- Lien waivers cannot be executed before the work is performed or materials are delivered
- Waivers may be conditional (effective upon receipt of payment) or unconditional (effective immediately)
- A valid waiver must clearly state the amount being waived and the property to which it applies
- The waiver must demonstrate a clear intention to waive lien rights
- The waiver must be signed by the party waiving lien rights
- New York does not prohibit advance waiver of bond claims -- only lien rights are protected under Section 34

Practice Note: Because New York has no statutory form, this universal template (with appropriate modifications for New York law) may be used. However, ensure the waiver is executed contemporaneously with or after the progress payment, never in advance. Include clear conditional language to protect the claimant until payment is received and cleared.


ADDITIONAL STATE NOTES

State Key Considerations
Arizona A.R.S. Section 33-1008 prescribes four statutory forms. Waiver effective when check is honored by bank. Modifying statutory language may invalidate the waiver.
Georgia O.C.G.A. Section 44-14-366 uses "interim" waiver terminology rather than "conditional." Interim waivers automatically convert to unconditional waivers on the 90th day unless an affidavit of nonpayment is recorded with the county clerk. This creates a critical deadline.
Michigan MCL Section 570.1115 requires statutory forms. Partial conditional waivers effective upon payment. Cannot be exchanged in advance of work performed.
Illinois No statutory form, but 770 ILCS 60/1 et seq. governs mechanic's liens. Conditional waivers are enforceable if properly drafted.
Ohio No statutory form. ORC Section 1311.01 et seq. governs mechanic's liens. Broad waivers are generally enforceable.
Pennsylvania No statutory form. 49 Pa. Stat. Section 1101 et seq. governs mechanic's liens. Waivers enforceable if properly drafted.
Washington No statutory form. RCW 60.04 governs construction liens. Prospective waivers of lien rights in residential construction contracts are void under RCW 60.04.011(1).
Colorado No statutory form. C.R.S. Section 38-22-101 et seq. governs mechanic's liens. Advance waivers are generally unenforceable.

SECTION 13: PROTECTIVE GUIDANCE FOR CLAIMANTS

13.1 Before Signing This Waiver

☐ Verify that the Payment Amount accurately reflects the amount you are owed for work through the Through Date.

☐ Confirm that all Exceptions (retention, disputed claims, pending change orders, extras) are properly and completely listed in Section 7.

☐ Ensure the Through Date does not extend beyond the period for which you are actually being paid.

☐ If you have lower-tier subcontractors or suppliers, confirm their payment status and note any outstanding obligations.

☐ Verify that you have complied with all applicable preliminary notice requirements (e.g., California Preliminary 20-Day Notice, Texas notice requirements, Florida Notice to Owner).

☐ Confirm that the check or payment instrument information is accurate and matches the payment you expect to receive.

☐ Review the waiver to ensure it does not contain overly broad release language that goes beyond lien, stop notice, and bond rights (e.g., broad general releases of all claims).

☐ If in a statutory-form state, confirm that the prescribed statutory form is being used rather than this universal template.

☐ Retain a complete copy of the signed waiver and all attachments for your records.

13.2 After Signing This Waiver

☐ Deposit the payment instrument promptly and monitor for clearance.

☐ If the check or payment is dishonored, bounces, or is reversed, immediately notify all parties in writing that the conditional waiver is void and that all lien rights are preserved.

☐ In Georgia: If the interim waiver is signed and payment is NOT received, record an affidavit of nonpayment with the county clerk within 90 days of signing, or lien rights will be lost.

☐ Maintain a log of all conditional waivers submitted and their payment/clearance status.

☐ After payment clears, pay all lower-tier subcontractors and suppliers promptly.

13.3 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Pitfall Consequence Prevention
Signing an unconditional waiver before receiving payment Immediate loss of lien rights with no recourse if not paid Always use a conditional waiver until payment is received AND cleared
Failing to list exceptions for disputed claims Waived claims cannot be recovered later List ALL disputed items, pending change orders, and extras in Section 7
Using wrong Through Date May waive rights for work not yet paid Through Date should match the billing period covered by the payment
Overly broad waiver language May release claims beyond lien rights (e.g., contract claims, warranty rights) Limit waiver to lien, stop notice, and bond rights only
Missing statutory form requirements Waiver may be unenforceable (in non-statutory states) or may inadvertently waive rights (in statutory states) Use the mandatory statutory form in the 12 states that require it
Failing to record affidavit of nonpayment (Georgia) Interim waiver becomes unconditional after 90 days Calendar the 90-day deadline and record affidavit if not paid
Signing waiver in advance of work (New York) Waiver is void as against public policy Execute waivers only contemporaneous with or after work is performed

SECTION 14: INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS FORM

14.1 Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Complete Section 2 (Project Identification) with full project details, including legal description if required by your jurisdiction.

Step 2: Complete Section 3 (Claimant Identification) with the claimant's full legal name, address, and contact information.

Step 3: Complete Section 4 (Customer Identification) with the information for the party who directly hired the claimant.

Step 4: Complete Section 5 (Payment Information) with accurate financial figures. The Through Date should correspond exactly to the billing period covered by the progress payment.

Step 5: Complete Section 6 (Conditional Waiver) with the Payment Amount and payment instrument details. Ensure the Payment Amount matches the net amount of the progress payment after retention.

Step 6: Complete Section 7 (Exceptions) thoroughly. List every reserved claim, disputed item, pending change order, and retained amount. Anything not listed may be deemed waived in some jurisdictions.

Step 7: Review Section 8 (Certifications) and confirm all statements are accurate before signing.

Step 8: Complete Section 9 (Lower-Tier Status) if the claimant has subcontractors or suppliers.

Step 9: Execute the waiver in Section 10. Obtain notarization in Section 11 if required.

Step 10: Deliver the signed waiver to the requesting party and retain a complete copy.

14.2 Document Retention

Maintain copies of all executed conditional waivers, together with proof of payment receipt and clearance, for a minimum of:

Jurisdiction Recommended Retention Period
All states (general) At least the statute of limitations for contract actions (typically 4-6 years) plus the warranty period
Federal projects (Miller Act) Minimum 6 years after final payment
State/municipal projects Per applicable state statute; often 5-10 years

SECTION 15: DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this document, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

Term Definition
Claimant The person or entity that has furnished or will furnish labor, services, equipment, or materials to the project and is executing this waiver
Conditional Waiver A waiver that becomes effective only upon the claimant's actual receipt and clearance of the specified payment
Customer The person or entity that directly hired the claimant and from whom payment is due
Lien A mechanic's lien, construction lien, or materialman's lien as defined by applicable state law
Owner The person or entity that owns the real property on which the project is located
Payment Bond Rights Rights under a payment bond issued in connection with the project, whether statutory or contractual
Progress Payment A periodic payment made during the course of a construction project for work completed through a specified date
Retention/Retainage A percentage of each progress payment withheld by the owner or general contractor as security for project completion
Stop Payment Notice A statutory notice directing a construction lender or other party to withhold funds sufficient to satisfy the claimant's claim
Through Date The date through which the claimant's lien, stop payment notice, and bond rights are conditionally waived upon receipt of payment
Unconditional Waiver A waiver that takes effect immediately upon execution, regardless of whether payment has been received

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

Statutory Citations

  • California Civil Code Sections 8130-8138 -- Waiver and Release provisions for construction claims
  • Section 8132: Conditional Waiver and Release Upon Progress Payment (statutory form)
  • Section 8134: Unconditional Waiver and Release Upon Progress Payment
  • Section 8136: Prohibition on non-statutory waiver forms
  • https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&division=4.&title=2.&part=6.&chapter=5.&article=

  • Texas Property Code Sections 53.281-53.287 -- Waiver and Release of Lien or Payment Bond Claim

  • Section 53.284: Forms for Waiver and Release (four statutory forms)
  • https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.53.htm

  • Florida Statutes Section 713.20 -- Waiver or Release of Liens

  • Amended effective July 1, 2025 (SB 658) -- forms must now be identical to statutory forms
  • https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/713.20

  • New York Lien Law Section 34 -- Public policy prohibition on advance lien waivers

  • https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/LIE/34

  • Arizona Revised Statutes Section 33-1008 -- Waiver of Lien (statutory forms)

  • https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01008.htm

  • Georgia Code Section 44-14-366 -- Interim and Final Waiver Forms; Affidavit of Nonpayment

  • https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-44/chapter-14/article-8/part-3/section-44-14-366/

  • Michigan Compiled Laws Section 570.1115 -- Waiver of Lien (statutory forms)

  • https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-570-1115

Industry References

  • American Institute of Architects (AIA) Document G901-2022: Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment
  • https://aiacontracts.com/contract-documents/g901-2022

  • Contractors State License Board (CSLB) -- California Conditional and Unconditional Waiver Forms

  • https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/legal_issues_for_consumers/mechanics_lien/conditional_and_unconditional_waiver_release_form.aspx

Additional Resources

  • National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) -- Lien Waivers and Releases of Claims: Best Practices
  • https://www.nasbp.org/

  • Levelset -- Lien Waiver Forms and State-by-State Requirements

  • https://www.levelset.com/lien-waivers/

This template is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Twelve states mandate specific statutory lien waiver forms that must be used in lieu of this template. Laws governing mechanic's liens, stop payment notices, and payment bonds vary significantly by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a qualified construction attorney licensed in your jurisdiction before executing any lien waiver or release. Last updated: 2026-02-17.

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CONDITIONAL LIEN WAIVER PROGRESS

GENERAL TEMPLATE


Effective Date: [DATE]
Party A: [PARTY A NAME]
Address: [PARTY A ADDRESS]
Party B: [PARTY B NAME]
Address: [PARTY B ADDRESS]
Governing Law: [GOVERNING STATE]

This document is entered into by and between [PARTY A NAME] and [PARTY B NAME], effective as of the date set forth above, subject to the terms and conditions outlined herein and the laws of [GOVERNING STATE].
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About This Template

Jurisdiction-Specific

This template is drafted for general use across all U.S. jurisdictions. State-specific versions with local statutory references are also available.

How It's Made

Drafted using current statutory databases and legal standards for contracts agreements. Each template includes proper legal citations, defined terms, and standard protective clauses.

Important Notice

This template is provided for informational purposes. It is not legal advice. We recommend having an attorney review any legal document before signing, especially for high-value or complex matters.

Last updated: February 2026