⚖️ Free Tool · California Civil Code §8208

§8208 Construction Lender Information Request

Q: What is a §8208 Construction Lender Information Request?

Under California Civil Code §8208, any claimant has the right to demand the name and address of the construction lender from the direct contractor. They are required by law to provide this information promptly upon receipt.

Q: Why do I need the lender's information?

To protect your lien rights, your preliminary notice must be served on ALL construction lenders. The §8208 request lets you legally obtain this information before your 20-day window closes.

Q: What happens if the direct contractor doesn't respond?

Courts may consider your good-faith §8208 effort when evaluating your lien rights if the direct contractor fails to provide lender information.

Under California law, every subcontractor and supplier has the right to know who the construction lender is. The direct contractor is required by law to provide this information under California Civil Code §8208. This tool generates that demand letter instantly.

⚖️

It's Your Statutory Right

California Civil Code §8208 gives every claimant the right to demand lender information from the direct contractor. They are legally required to provide it.

🔒

Protect Your Lien Rights

Your preliminary notice must be served on the construction lender to fully protect your lien rights. Without the lender's info, your claim against lender-controlled funds is at risk.

📅

Protects Your 20-Day Deadline

If the direct contractor ignores your §8208 request, courts may consider your good-faith effort when evaluating your lien rights.

📄

When to Use This

Use this when you're preparing your preliminary notice and the lender section is blank. Send it early — you need their response before you can complete the notice.

Free No account needed

Instant PDF downloads now

§8208 CA Civil Code

Generate Your §8208 Request

Fill in your information below. Your letter downloads instantly as a PDF, ready to mail or email.

Not legal advice. This tool generates a form letter based on California Civil Code §8208. You should have a licensed California construction attorney review the letter before sending it. Laws vary and your specific situation may require different language.

Your Name / Company *

Your Address *

Project Name

Request Date *

Project Address *

Project Type

Send To *

Property Owner

Owner Name *

Owner Address *

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a §8208 Construction Lender Information Request?

Under California Civil Code §8208, any claimant (subcontractor, supplier, or laborer) who needs to serve a preliminary notice has the right to demand the name and address of the construction lender from the direct contractor. This tool generates that demand letter for free.

Why do I need the lender's information?

To fully protect your lien rights in California, your preliminary notice must be served on ALL parties — including the construction lender. If you skip the lender because you didn't know who they were, you lose the right to file a mechanics lien against lender-controlled funds (which are often the only funds available on a project).

Who do I send this to?

Send it to the property owner, the general contractor, or both. If you're a sub working under a GC, start with the GC — they typically have the lender's information. Sending to both is safest and generates two separate letters.

What happens if the direct contractor doesn't respond?

California courts may consider your good-faith §8208 effort when evaluating your lien rights if the direct contractor fails to provide lender information. Non-response may also constitute a statutory violation.

Does this create a lien on the property?

No. A §8208 information request is not a lien and does not encumber the property in any way. It is simply a statutory demand for information. This letter alone has no legal impact on title or finances.

How is this different from the Property Owner Info Request?

The §8208 Lender Request is used when you know the property owner but need the lender's information. The Property Owner Info Request is used when you know the address but need to identify the owner's legal name. Both documents are often needed together when starting a new project.