A new single-family home built in 2022 develops water intrusion at exterior windows in 2025. Under Civil Code §896 (SB 800 / Right to Repair Act), the homeowner's PRIMARY remedy is:
Explanation
Civil Code §896 sets out the standards the Right to Repair Act covers, and the prelitigation chapter at §910 et seq. makes the homeowner serve written notice of the claim on the builder and let the statutory inspection and repair process run before filing. Suing immediately is barred while that process is available. A mechanics lien is the remedy of a person who furnished work or materials under Civil Code §8400, not of a homeowner with a defect. And a CSLB complaint is licence discipline: it neither starts nor satisfies the §910 process.
Law Reference: Civil Code §896; §910 et seq.; §8400This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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