Stop Payment Notices: The Lesser Known Construction Payment Remedy

Member of nearly every campus organization except the Latin and Chess clubs. Check.

Always got a seat in the cafeteria and was never unceremoniously dumped into a trash can. Check.

My friends and I, on the other hand, spent our days hanging out behind the school library talking about Dungeons & Dragons and engaging in heated debate over who would win in a fight (Examples: My paladin v. your cavalier, Thor v. the Silver Surfer, John McClane v. Martin Riggs etc.) (Answers: My paladin, the Silver Surfer and John McClane, of course).*

In the world of California Construction Payment Remedies High, it’s the mechanics lien that would win the popularity contest hands down. But there’s another construction payment remedy that shouldn’t be overlooked. And, that is, the stop payment notice. While far less popular than mechanics liens, stop payment notices, as discussed below, are particularly useful in two situations: (1) On public works projects, in which mechanics liens are not an available remedy; and (2) Where there is concern that the non-paying party may be unable to perform its payment obligations. So here’s the skinny.

What is a stop payment notice?

A stop payment notice creates a lien on undisbursed construction funds held by an owner or construction lender. If a stop payment notice claimant has not been paid, the claimant can serve a stop payment notice on an owner which requires the owner to withhold funds from a direct contractor or, on lender financed projects, serve a stop payment notice on a construction lender which requires the construction lender to withhold funds from an owner.

On what types of projects can a stop payment notice be served?

Both public and private projects.

Who can serve a stop payment notice?

It depends on who you are. Direct contractors can serve stop payment notices on construction lenders only. Subcontractors, material suppliers, laborers and trust funds can serve stop payment notices on both owners and construction lenders.

Do I need to serve a preliminary notice in order to serve a stop payment notice?

It depends on whether it is a private work of improvement or public work of improvement:

• Private Work of Improvement: On private works projects, subcontractors and material suppliers of all tiers are required to serve a preliminary notice in order to serve a stop payment notice. And, on private works projects that are lender financed, direct contractors are required to serve a preliminary notice in order to serve a stop payment notice.

• Public Work of Improvement: On public works projects, only second-tier and lower subcontractors and material suppliers are required to serve a preliminary notice in order to serve a stop payment notice.

Is there a deadline to serve a stop payment notice?

Yes, but it depends on whether you are a direct contractor, subcontractor or material supplier.

• Direct Contractors: No later than the earlier of:

(1) 90 days after completion of the project; or

(2) 60 days after the owner records a notice of completion or cessation.

• Subcontractors and Material Suppliers: No later than the earlier of:

(1) 90 days after completion of the project; or

(2) 30 days after the owner records a notice of completion or cessation.

How early can I serve a stop payment notice?

Unlike a mechanics lien, a direct contractor, subcontractor or supplier can serve a stop payment notice at any time after it has performed all or a portion of its work.

What information is required to be included in a stop payment notice?

You can find a stop payment notice forms under the “Toolbox” menu. But here’s what information is required:

• The name of the owner or reputed owner;
• The name and address of the direct contractor;
• The name and address of the construction lender, if any;
• A general description of the work furnished by the stop payment notice claimant;
• The location of the project;
• The name of the person or entity who contracted for the work furnished by the stop payment notice claimant;
• An estimate of the total price of the work furnished by the stop payment notice claimant;
• The amount demanded by the stop payment notice claimant through the date of the stop payment notice after deducting all just credits and offsets.

Are there restriction on the amount I can demand in a stop payment notice?

Yes, the amount demanded in a stop payment notice is limited to the amount due for work provided through the date of the stop payment notice. Although the law is not particularly clear, this arguably includes retention.

How and to whom do you serve a stop payment notice?

• Method of Service: A stop payment notice must be served by registered, certified, or express mail; by overnight delivery; or by personal delivery.

• Private Works of Improvement –

(1) If Seeking that Owner Withhold Funds: If you are seeking to have the owner withhold funds, a stop payment notice must be served on either the owner or the owner’s architect.

(2) If Seeking that Construction Lender Withhold Funds: If you are seeking to have a construction lender withhold funds, a stop payment notice must be served on the manager or other responsible officer or person at the office or branch of the lender administering or holding the construction funds.

(1) State Public Works Projects: If you are seeking to have a state entity withhold funds, a stop payment notice must be served on the director of the department awarding the contract.

(2) All Other Public Works Projects (Except Federal): If you are seeking to have a local or regional entity withhold funds, a stop payment notice must be served on either: (1) the office of the controller, auditor, or other public disbursing officer whose duty it is to make payment pursuant to the contract; or (2) on governing body (i.e., commissioners, managers, trustees, officers, board of supervisors, board of trustees, common council, or other body) which awarded the contract.

Note : I suggest serving a stop payment notice on all parties identified in the stop payment notice – the owner, direct contractor, construction lender (if any), and the party who contracted for the work furnished by the stop payment notice claimant.

What happens after you serve a stop payment notice?

It depends on whether the stop payment notice is bonded or not.

A “bonded” stop payment notice is stop payment notice accompanied by a bond issued by a surety in an amount equal to 125% of the amount of the claimed in the stop payment notice.

Public and Private Owners: Public and private owners must withhold an amount sufficient to satisfy the amount claimed in a stop payment notice whether the stop payment notice is bonded or not.

Construction Lenders: However, construction lenders are only required to withhold an amount sufficient to satisfy the amount claimed in a stop payment notice if it receives a bonded stop payment notice. Moreover, even if a construction lender receives a bonded stop payment notice, it may object to the sufficiency of the surety (if the surety is not an admitted surety insurer in California) by giving notice to the stop payment notice claimant within 20 days after receiving the bonded stop payment notice. If the stop payment notice claimant receives such a notice from a construction lender, the stop payment notice claimant must provide a substitute bond from an admitted surety insurer in California within 10 days after receiving the notice. Obviously, the best practice is to ensure that if you serve a bonded stop payment notice, that it be bonded by an admitted surety insurer in California to begin with.

Do you need to do anything after you serve a stop payment notice?

Yes. If the stop payment notice does not result in your getting paid you must file a lawsuit to enforce the stop payment notice. The deadline for filing suit depend on whether you are a direct contractor or subcontractor or material supplier.

• Direct Contractors: No earlier than 10 days after service of the stop payment notice but no later than the earlier of:

(1) 180 days after completion of the project; or

(2) 150 days after the owner records a notice of completion or cessation.

• Subcontractors and Material Suppliers: No earlier than 10 days after service of the stop payment notice but no later than the earlier of:

(1) 180 days after completion of the project; or

(2) 120 days after the owner records a notice of completion or cessation.

In addition, within 5 days after filing suit, you must serve a notice of commencement of action to all persons to whom you served the stop payment notice. And, finally, a lawsuit to enforce a stop payment notice must be brought to trial within 2 years after the suit is filed.

If you are a property owner or construction lender is there anything you can do if a stop payment notice is served?

Yes. On private works projects, if an owner records a payment bond before a stop payment notice is served, the owner may require that the stop payment notice claimant proceed against the payment bond only. If an owner requires a stop payment notice claimant to proceed against a recorded payment bond, the owner must give notice to the stop payment notice claimant that: (1) a payment bond has been recorded; and (2) provide the stop payment notice claimant with a copy of bond, within 30 days after receiving the stop payment notice.

Similarly, on private works project that are lender financed, if a payment bond was recorded before a stop payment notice is served, a construction lender may require that the stop payment notice claimant (other than a direct contractor) proceed against the payment bond only. A construction lender may require that a stop payment notice claimant proceed against a recorded payment bond even if the stop payment notice claimant served the construction lender with a bonded stop payment notice.

Public owners do not have these options.

If you are a direct contractor or property owner is there anything you can do if a stop payment notice is served?

• Public and Private Works of Improvement – Stop Notice Release Bonds: On public and private works projects, a direct contractor can release funds withheld pursuant to a stop payment notice, by giving the person withholding the funds a stop notice release bond equal to 125% of the amount claimed in stop payment notice. Similarly, on private works projects, an owner can release funds withheld by a construction lender pursuant to a stop payment notice, by giving the construction lender a stop notice release bond equal to 125% of the amount claimed in stop payment notice.

• Public Works of Improvement – Challenging Validity of Stop Payment Notice: On public works projects, a direct contractor may also challenge the validity of a stop payment notice. A direct contractor may challenge the validity of a stop payment notice by serving the public entity withholding funds with an affidavit which includes the following information: (1) an allegation of the grounds for release of the funds and a statement of the facts supporting the allegation; (2) a demand for release of all or a portion of the funds that are alleged to be withheld improperly or in an excessive amount; and (3) a statement of the address of the direct contractor within the state for purpose of permitting service of any notice or document.

Upon receipt of the affidavit, the public entity is required to serve on the stop payment notice claimant, a copy of the affidavit, together with a notice stating that the funds will be released in whole or in part unless a counteraffidavit is served within 10 to 20 days after service of the notice. A stop payment notice claimant may then serve a counteraffidavit which alleges the details of the claim and describes the specific basis in which the claimant contests or rebuts the allegations of the direct contractor’s affidavit.

If a counteraffidavit is served, either the direct contractor or the stop payment notice claimant may file a lawsuit seeking a declaration of their rights, followed by a motion seeking a determination of their rights under the affidavit and counteraffidavit. The court is required to hear the motion within 15 days after the motion is filed unless the court continues the hearing for good cause.

Are attorneys fees recoverable in a lawsuit seeking to enforce a stop payment notice?

*Debate welcome in the comment section.

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35 Responses to “Stop Payment Notices: The Lesser Known Construction Payment Remedy”

1. 2023’s Bank Failures: What Contractors, Material Suppliers and Equipment Lessors Can Do to Protect Themselves | California Construction Law Blog | Nomos LLPMay 8, 2023 […] notice is required for these parties as a condition of recording a mechanics lien, serving a stop payment notice, or, in some cases, making a payment bond claim. Also, if you are a design professional (e.g., […] Reply
2. AIA Releases State-Specific Waiver and Release Forms | California Construction Law Blog | Nomos LLPAugust 19, 2022 […] provide a mechanism by which higher-tiered parties can protect themselves from mechanics liens, stop payment notice and payment bond claims. California’s waiver and release statute includes four (4) different […] Reply
3. Bankruptcy on a Construction Project: Coronavirus Edition | California Construction Law Blog | Nomos LLPMay 11, 2020 […] on the project, the automatic stay does not prevent a non-bankrupt party from “serving” a bonded stop payment notice on the construction lender, although it would likely prevent a non-bankrupt from party from filing […] Reply
4. A Few Things You Might Consider Doing Instead of Binging on Netflix | California Construction Law Blog | Nomos LLPMarch 26, 2020 […] performing work on construction projects: (1) mechanics liens and design professional liens; (2) stop payment notices; and (3) payment bond claims. Who can assert these payment remedies, when they can be asserted, and […] Reply
5. Gavin Rynard September 28, 2018 HI Garret, Can you show me where you found your answers to these two questions: 1) How early can I serve a stop payment notice?
   2) Are there restriction on the amount I can demand in a stop payment notice? A case? statute? citation? Thank you Reply
   • Garret MuraiNovember 7, 2018 It depends on whether you’re talking about a stop payment notice on a private works project or public works project. However, both can be found under Civil Code sections 8000 et seq. (Private works) and 9000 et seq. (Public works). Reply
6. Margaret July 5, 2018 Hello, I have a few questions: (1) How long will a stop payment notice have before it expires?
   (2) How long does it last before we are required to bond it?
   (3) If a subcontractor is still doing work within the scope of a contract, can the subcontractor lien for the amount outstanding at that time?
   (4) Can you amend a stop payment notice? I noticed a PDF for a Public Works file that mentioned an “amended stop payment notice” but I can’t seem to find any codes or any info on whether it’s possible for Private Works and how to go about doing that. Thank you! Reply
   • Garret MuraiJuly 29, 2018 Hi Margaret. In response to your questions: 1. For a stop payment notice, a direct contractor must file a lawsuit to enforce its stop notice no earlier than 10 days after service of the stop payment notice and no later than the earlier of: (1) 180 days after completion of the project; or (2) 150 days after the owner records a notice of completion or cessation. For subcontractors and material suppliers, a subcontractor and material supplier must file a lawsuit to enforce its stop payment notice no later than 10 days after service of the stop payment notice and no later than the earlier of: (1) 180 days after completion of the project; or (2) 120 days after the owner records a notice of completion or cessation.
     2. With respect to stop notice release bonds, you are not required to obtain a stop notice release bond, although you may. If you do decide to obtain a stop notice release bond, you are required to do so within 30 days of receiving the stop payment notice.
     3. Yes, a subcontractor can serve a stop payment notice even while still performing work.
     4. Yes, you can amend a stop payment notice. There is nothing contained within the Code that addresses amending a stop payment notice, but I’ve done it, and I’ve seen it done. Reply
7. Deborah Eskenazi June 14, 2018 Hi Garrett; This is a Public Project – a second tier subcontractor filed a Stop Notice against the first tier Subcontractor. ($200K) The first tier Subcontractor filed a Stop Notice against the General Contractor. ($400K) Half of the first tiers Stop Notice amount includes the second tiers Stop Notice amount. However, because both Stop Notices were sent to the Owner, the Owner is holding $600K, plus 25%. We tried to explain to the Owner they are ‘double dipping’ but they told us by law they must hold this money and if we want to get it released, we must file affidavits with the courts under Civil Code Section 9400 – for excessive monies held. It’s an obvious administrative error. We’ve never seen this on any of our other projects before. Do we (1)have to accept this error (2) file the affidavits as the Owner and law states or (3) is there some legal explanation showing that a second tier is part of a first tier and not their own separate charges? Thanks. Reply
   • Garret MuraiJune 18, 2018 Deborah, unfortunately, the public entity is correct. They are required to do a withholding if they receive a stop payment notice and can’t look behind the stop payment notice to determine whether there is a “double dip,” as you say. Further, the public entity is correct that your remedy (that is, if you are a direct contractor) is to challenge the stop payment notices by affidavit under Civil Code section 9400 which permits direct contractors to challenge stop payment notices on, among other grounds, that a stop payment notice is excessive. Reply
8. Gordon Tessman March 2, 2018 We are a subcontractor on a Public Works project in California. We have filed a Stop Notice due to the failure of the GC to pay timely (Progress Payments and Retention). The GC is using the fact that the Owner is holding the money owed to us due to the Stop Notice and won’t pay us until we release the Stop Notice so they can get the money from the Owner to pay us. Is that a valid excuse? Reply
   • Garret MuraiMarch 6, 2018 Hi Gordon. I’ve seen this happen and I am of two opinions. On one hand, if the GC has already been paid for your work, you shouldn’t have to release your stop payment notice to get paid what the GC has already been received. On the other hand, releasing a stop payment notice, so long as it is not accompanied by a waiver and release, doesn’t preclude you from re-serving the stop payment notice if the GC doesn’t pay you. Perhaps the best thing to do is negotiate a joint check agreement and do a physical exchange of a joint check signed by the GC and a release of stop payment notice signed by you. Reply
9. Jeremy Mertz February 27, 2018 Can a stop notice include cost to repair damage to rental equipment? Reply
   • Garret MuraiMarch 15, 2018 Likely not. Civil Code section 9352, applicable to public works stop notices, Civil Code section 8502, applicable to private works stop notices each provide that “The amount claimed in the [stop] notice may include only the amount due the claimant for work provided through the date of the notice.” I think a court would have difficulty associating the cost to repair damage to rental equipment to “work provided” on a project. Reply
10. Michele Williamson September 5, 2017 Hi Garret,
    Is the Stop Payment Notice (CA) filed with the county recorder’s office? Reply
    • Garret MuraiSeptember 5, 2017 Hi Michele. No, only mechanics lien are recorded with the county recorder’s office not stop payment notices. Reply
      • Michele Williamson September 6, 2017 Thank you for your reply Garret. May I do both the Stop Payment Notice & Mechanic’s Lien?
        I am concerned the Stop Payment Notice will not be taken seriously.
      • Garret MuraiSeptember 7, 2017 It depends on the type of project and the basis of the claim. Mechanics liens cannot be recorded on public works projects and mechanics liens are limited to the lesser of: (1) the reasonable value of work provided by the mechanics lien claimant; and (2) the price agreed to by the claimant and the person that contracted for the work.
11. Shannon Siefert June 15, 2017 Thank you for providing smart business information. Sincerely,
    small woman’s owned business, struggling to get paid. Reply
    • Garret MuraiJune 15, 2017 Thanks you for reading. Reply
12. The Project “Completion” Paradox in California | California Construction Law Blog | Wendel RosenMarch 28, 2016 […] see, in California the deadline to record a mechanics lien, serve a stop payment notice, or make a payment bond claim – important construction payment remedies the California […] Reply
13. Construction Payment Remedies: You May be Able to Skate by, But Why? | California Construction Law Blog | Wendel RosenMarch 21, 2016 […] and have discussed their importance as a precondition of recording a mechanics lien, serving a stop payment notice, and, often, making a payment bond claim. In short, if you don’t serve a preliminary […] Reply
14. Dave November 10, 2015 Great Blog! Following the comments above. The subcontractor issues a bonded stop notice to the owner and lender. The general contractor obtains a release bond. Does the subcontractor simply pursue the bond directly and owner and lender out of the picture? If that is the case, is the bond filed by the subcontractor with the stop notice now meaningless. Reply
    • Garret MuraiNovember 10, 2015 Hi Dave. Thanks. That’s exactly right. If a stop payment notice release bond is obtained, the subcontractor who served the stop payment notice would no longer have a stop payment notice claim, but rather, a claim against the surety and principal on the stop payment notice release bond. Reply
15. Grace P September 14, 2015 Thank you for your post.
    I do have a question. The statutes requiring a lender to withhold funds after receiving a stop payment notice seem to conflict to me.
    8536 – says lenders SHALL withhold funds unless (2 things that do not involve a release bond).
    but
    8510 – release bond statute says lender SHALL release funds if the lender receives a release bond.
    SO
    What happens when a subcontractor issues a bonded stop payment notice to the lender, but then the owner ends up getting a stop payment release bond?
    Under the language of these two statutes, the lender is required to hold the funds AND release the funds. In this situation, which statute does the lender have to follow? Release or withhold? Reply
    • Garret MuraiSeptember 15, 2015 Hi Grace. On private works projects a lender is only required to withhold funds pursuant to a stop payment notice if it receives a “bonded” stop payment notice. However, even if a lender receives a bonded stop payment notice and withhold funds, it is required to release those funds if it receives a stop payment notice release bond. I hope that clarifies things. Reply
16. Michael August 28, 2015 Extremely helpful article, thank you. One question: If I am a subcontractor on a private works project and I have been paid all funds owed to me EXCEPT for retention, will I forfeit my right to that retention if I release my Stop Payment Notice? The GC here is apparently has not billed or received retention from the owner yet. Thanks for your help. Reply
    • Garret MuraiAugust 29, 2015 Hi Michael. You can serve a subsequent stop payment notice if you release your existing stop payment notice, with one exception. If you provide an unconditional waiver and release upon final payment for the money you are owed before you receive payment then you will have waived your right to re-serve a stop payment notice. Reply
17. The Effect the Golden State Boring Case Could Have on Stop Payment Laws - Surety1July 13, 2015 […] to the principle contractor so that it can be diverted to the sub. In essence, they are putting a mechanics lien in the money. This happens if they are not being paid on a timely basis for their work and have reason to […] Reply
18. You Can Take This Job and Shove It! | California Construction Law Blog | Wendel RosenJune 8, 2015 […] Note: A stop work notice is different from a stop payment notice. […] Reply
19. The Effect the Golden State Boring Case Could Have on Stop Payment LawsMay 21, 2015 […] to the principle contractor so that it can be diverted to the sub. In essence, they are putting a mechanics lien in the money. This happens if they are not being paid on a timely basis for their work and have reason to […] Reply
20. Taylor April 16, 2015 How long does a claimant have to deliver a release of stop notice once they have been paid? Reply
    • Garret MuraiApril 16, 2015 Hi Taylor. California law doesn’t specify a deadline. However, I can’t think of a good reason why you wouldn’t furnish a release of stop payment notice after you have been paid the amount stated in the stop payment notice, or at least provide a partial release of stop payment notice if you have only been paid a portion of the amount stated in the stop payment notice. Plus, you should be aware that on public works projects, a stop payment notice may be challenged in court through a special summary proceeding. Reply
21. Mark Cobb Law GroupMay 28, 2013 Wow, another great, educational blog entry. Stop payment notices sounds similar to constructive trusts. Which, at least in Georgia, are a wonderful remedy which subcontractors can use in addition to lien claims and bond claims. Keep up the great articles! Reply
    • Garret MuraiMay 28, 2013 Thanks Mark. Can’t say I really ever thought about it, but California’s stop payment remedy is a lot like a constructive trust. Thanks as always for reading, and congratulations by the way to cobblawgroup.net/blog on your recent third place finish in Construction Marketing Idea’s Best Construction Blog 2013. Reply