Which event does NOT constitute 'completion' of a work of improvement for purposes of starting mechanics lien deadlines on a private project?
a.Cessation of labor for a continuous period of 60 days
b.Occupation or use by the owner accompanied by cessation of labor
c.Actual completion of the work of improvement
d.The contractor mailing its final invoice to the owner
Explanation
Civil Code §8180 defines completion to include actual completion, occupation/use plus cessation of labor, acceptance by the owner, or cessation of labor for 60 continuous days. Merely mailing a final invoice is not a statutory completion event.
Law Reference: Civ. Code §8180This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 1632 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete CSLB Law & Business guide — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- Under current California law, a mechanics lien is generally NOT enforceable unless the claimant:
- An owner learns that a tenant has ordered work on the property without the owner's authorization. To limit exposure to mechanics liens, the owner records and posts:
- To be effective, a Notice of Non-Responsibility must generally be posted on the property and recorded within how many days after the owner obtains knowledge of the work of improvement?
- A 'notice of cessation' may be recorded by an owner when labor has ceased on the work of improvement for a continuous period of at least:
- The party who purchases a surety bond and whose performance is guaranteed is called the:
- On a bond, the party who is protected and can make a claim if the principal defaults is the:
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass team · Verified against California CSLB Contractor License Law & Business Exam · How we review
Reviewed by Abraham Chen — Licensed California General Contractor (CSLB License #1101856 — verify)