Job Clock

Mechanic's liens · US

What is a lien notice? What is a lien waiver?

On a US construction job, a lien notice is a paper you send early so you keep the right to a mechanic's lien. A lien waiver is a paper you sign that gives up lien rights, usually in exchange for a payment. The names and deadlines change by state.

Lien notice (aviso de gravamen)

In US construction, Spanish speakers use “aviso de gravamen” for the notices that come before a lien: in Florida the Notice to Owner, in California the preliminary notice, in Georgia the Notice to Contractor. It is not a tax lien and not the lien itself. Miss the notice and, in many states, you can lose the right to a lien.

Notice deadlines by state: Florida Notice to Owner deadline: 45 days · California 20-day preliminary notice deadline · Arizona preliminary 20-day notice deadline · Texas lien notice deadline: the 15th of which month? · North Carolina Notice to Lien Agent: 15 days · Michigan notice of furnishing: 20 days · Ohio notice of furnishing: 21 days · Pennsylvania Notice of Furnishing and notice of intent · Virginia mechanics' lien agent notice: 30 days · New Jersey Notice of Unpaid Balance and 90-day lien claim · Maryland notice of intent to claim a lien: 120 days · Missouri Notice to Owner, 10-day notice, and 6-month lien · Massachusetts notice of identification and notice of contract · Georgia Notice to Contractor: 30 days

Lien waiver (renuncia de gravamen)

A lien waiver and release is what a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier signs to give up lien rights for work that was paid, or will be paid. Read it before you sign: some waivers count even if the check never arrives.

Lien waiver rules in the other states are not summarized here. Job Clock does not supply waiver or notice forms.

Sources

Questions

What is an aviso de gravamen?
On a US construction job it usually means a notice sent before a mechanic's lien, such as Florida's Notice to Owner or California's preliminary notice, to keep the right to a lien. It is not the lien itself.
What is a renuncia de gravamen?
A lien waiver: a paper you sign that gives up lien rights, usually in exchange for payment. In Georgia, a signed statutory waiver takes effect after 90 days even if you were not paid, unless you file a claim of lien or an affidavit of nonpayment first (O.C.G.A. § 44-14-366).
Does Job Clock give me the forms?
No. Job Clock shows deadlines and, on the paid plan, emails reminders. It does not supply, fill in, or file notices or waivers.

Set up your dates and reminders

The dates are free. The paid plan adds email reminders, in English or Spanish, before each lien, notice, license, insurance, and bond date: $29 a month or $290 a year for one company.

Set up my dates See pricing

Job Clock does not file liens, mail notices, renew licenses, or give legal advice. Paying does not mean a lien will hold or that you will get paid.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change. Check the current statute or ask a construction attorney in that state before you rely on a date. Job Clock does not file liens, mail notices, pull permits, or give legal advice.