Construction Lien Deadlines in British Columbia
Under the Construction Prompt Payment Act, SBC 2025, c. 24
A builders' lien secures payment for work or materials against the improved land in British Columbia, but only if it is preserved within 45 days (BC Builders Lien Act s. 20). Miss that window and the right to lien is lost, no matter how strong the underlying claim.
British Columbia's lien window is one of the deadlines Tiercord derives for every contract and surfaces alongside the prompt-payment clocks.
British Columbia construction liens deadlines
The statutory clocks for this topic in British Columbia, with section citations.
| Clock | Value | Statute |
|---|---|---|
Lien filing window Days to preserve or register a construction lien before the right expires. BC Builders Lien Act Section 20 | 45 days | BC Builders Lien Act Section 20 |
What a lien secures
A builders' lien attaches to the owner's interest in the land that was improved. If the claim is not paid, it can ultimately be enforced through sale of that interest, and the 10% statutory holdback fund is the first source the law looks to in order to satisfy it.
The British Columbia filing deadline is strict
A builders' lien must be preserved or registered within 45 days (BC Builders Lien Act s. 20), measured from a triggering event such as substantial performance, completion, or the last day work or materials were supplied. British Columbia courts apply the window strictly.
Liens and prompt payment work together
Prompt payment governs when money must move in British Columbia; the builders' lien and holdback secure the money if it does not. A complete compliance posture tracks all three at once.
Construction liens in British Columbia: FAQ
How long do I have to file a builders' lien in British Columbia?
45 days (BC Builders Lien Act s. 20) from the triggering event.
What triggers the lien deadline in British Columbia?
Usually substantial performance or completion of the contract, or the last day on which the claimant supplied work or materials, depending on the role of the claimant.
See the full British Columbia guide
Every deadline, notice and adjudication rule in one place.