California

Retention on California jobs

California caps retention on public work and puts a clock on releasing it, and the private side runs under a payment statute most subcontractors never invoke. These guides cover what can be held, when it has to come back, and what a late release costs the party sitting on it.

4 ways to move forward

Practical guidesRetention and release datesPrivate retention is released by the owner 45 days after completion under Civ. Code s.8812 and passed down within 10 days under s.8814. Includes the worked calendar where a subcontractor lien window closes two days before the money is even due.Practical guidesLien releases and waiversThe four statutory forms at Civ. Code s.8132 to s.8138, the two questions that pick one, why an unconditional release binds even if the check never clears, and how retention at 45 days and 10 days changes the timing.Practical guidesGet paid in 30 daysThe owner owes the direct contractor within 30 days under Civ. Code s.8800 and the prime owes you within 7 days of receipt under BPC s.7108.5, with a disputed line capped at 150 percent of the amount actually in question.Practical guidesInvoicing and payment applicationsWhat each line on a California billing does: the license number under BPC s.7030.5, the jobsite address that sets the tax rate, retention as a deduction rather than a discount, and cumulative columns. Includes a $184,000 payment application that recovers a lost month.

Count it instead of estimating it

California lien deadline calculatorIt is 90 days until the owner records a Notice of Completion. Then it is 60 for a direct contractor and 30 for everybody else. Enter your dates and see which one you are on.Free, no signup.California prompt payment and retention calculatorTwo clocks, not one. Progress payments run from the payment demand; retention runs from completion, not from your final invoice. Enter both dates and see which one is actually late.Free, no signup.
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The rest of the California library

Getting and keeping a CSLB licensePreliminary notices and mechanics liens in CaliforniaPrevailing wage and public works in CaliforniaBuilding standards on a California siteSales tax for California contractorsGetting paid on California jobsCalifornia franchise tax for contractors
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