Preliminary Notice to Owner (Construction)

PRELIMINARY NOTICE TO OWNER

(Also known as: 20-Day Notice, Notice to Owner, Pre-Lien Notice)

NOTICE INFORMATION

IMPORTANT NOTICE

TO THE PROPERTY OWNER AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES:

This is a notice required by law to protect the rights of the person(s) or company named below who may have lien rights on your property. This notice does NOT mean there is a problem with your project or that you owe money at this time.

This notice is being sent to preserve the sender's right to file a mechanics lien or make a claim against a payment bond if the sender is not paid.

I. SENDER/CLAIMANT INFORMATION

II. PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION

III. GENERAL/DIRECT CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

IV. CONSTRUCTION LENDER INFORMATION (If Applicable)

V. SURETY/PAYMENT BOND INFORMATION (If Applicable)

VI. PROJECT/PROPERTY INFORMATION

VII. WORK/MATERIALS TO BE FURNISHED

A. General Description

[DESCRIBE THE LABOR, SERVICES, EQUIPMENT, OR MATERIALS YOU ARE FURNISHING OR WILL FURNISH. Examples:]

☐ Labor: [Type of work - electrical, plumbing, framing, painting, etc.]
☐ Materials: [Type of materials - lumber, concrete, fixtures, roofing, etc.]
☐ Equipment: [Type of equipment rental]
☐ Services: [Type of services - design, engineering, etc.]

Detailed Description:
[PROVIDE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF WORK/MATERIALS]

B. Estimated Value

(Note: This is an estimate. Actual amount may vary based on work performed and materials furnished.)

C. Timeline

VIII. HIRING PARTY INFORMATION

IX. STATUTORY NOTICE LANGUAGE

California (Civil Code § 8200-8216)

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER

If the person or firm that has given you this notice is not paid in full for labor, service, equipment, or material provided or to be provided to your construction project, a lien may be placed on your property. Foreclosure of the lien may lead to loss of all or part of your property, even though you have paid your contractor in full.

You may wish to protect yourself against this by (1) requiring your contractor to provide a signed release by the person or firm that has given you this notice before making payment to your contractor, or (2) any other method or device that is appropriate under the circumstances.

Florida (Fla. Stat. § 713.06)

WARNING! FLORIDA'S CONSTRUCTION LIEN LAW ALLOWS SOME UNPAID CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, AND MATERIAL SUPPLIERS TO FILE LIENS AGAINST YOUR PROPERTY EVEN IF YOU HAVE MADE PAYMENT IN FULL.

Arizona (A.R.S. § 33-992.01)

NOTICE: This is not a lien. This is a notice that a lien may be claimed against your property if the person named in this notice is not paid. You may protect yourself by demanding lien waivers from the contractor and from any person listed in this notice before making payment.

Other States

[INSERT APPLICABLE STATUTORY LANGUAGE FOR YOUR STATE]

X. SIGNATURE

XI. PROOF OF SERVICE

This notice was served as follows:

Certified/Registered Mail

Personal Delivery

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTES

Purpose of This Notice

This preliminary notice is a legal requirement in many states to preserve your right to file a mechanics lien if you are not paid. It is NOT a lien itself, and it does NOT mean there is a problem with payment at this time.

State Deadline Summary

Consequences of Not Sending

• California: Lien rights limited to work done in 20 days before notice + work after notice
• Florida: No lien rights without timely NTO
• Arizona: No lien rights without timely notice

Keep Records

Maintain copies of:

• This notice
• Certified mail receipts
• Return receipts (green cards)
• Delivery confirmations
• Any proof of service

Service Requirements

Most states require certified mail or personal delivery. Electronic service (email, fax) is generally NOT sufficient unless specifically allowed by state law.