File Claim of Builders Lien
Contents
A Claim of Builders Lien is an interest registered on a title to secure payment for labour or materials. Filing a Claim of Builders Lien does not guarantee payment. Once filed, it is the lien claimant’s responsibility to inform the property owner and to enforce the lien if payment or settlement is not forthcoming.
For more information including the deadline to file a Claim of Builders Lien, consult the Builders Lien Act
File an Application
Once filled out, you can submit the application online, or download and submit by mail or in person by appointment.
Before you begin
Make sure you have the following before you begin the online application:
- Parcel identifier (PID) for the property that you are filing a lien on: You can find the property’s PID by searching by address or plan number on BC Assessment.
- Claim and claimant details: The person or corporation to whom money is owed (the claimant) must provide their name and address, details of the claim including a brief description of the work, who is delinquent in paying, the amount owing and when the money was or will be due. The claimant must also provide their ‘address for service’ which is where legal documents will be mailed if there is legal action to enforce the lien.
- BC Services Card app for online submission: LTSA uses the BC Services card to verify the identity of the Applicant and for signing the online application. If you don’t have the BC Services Card app on your mobile device, you need to set it up first.
- Permission if acting on behalf of someone: If you are applying on behalf of another person, business or corporation, you are acting as an agent and must have their permission. Permission to act as an agent must be granted by the person, business or corporation, in any way that satisfies them.
Fees
It is free to file a Claim of Builders Lien application.
After you submit
The application will be assigned a date, time and a pending application number when it is ready to be reviewed for legal requirements.
Claim of Builders Lien applications submitted online using the BC Services Card are processed from 6 am to 11 pm, Monday to Saturday (excluding system maintenance times). You will receive an automated email when your application is accepted by LTSA. The email will include a copy of the accepted application with its pending application number.
Applicants should note that an application filed online can be withdrawn online before it is registered. Registration can be completed within 2 business days of submission. After an application is registered, a legal professional is required to release the charge.
Claim of Builders Lien applications submitted by mail or in person are processed during land title office front counter hours of 9 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays). If submitting in person, you will receive a copy of your application with the pending application number at your appointment. Include a stamped self-addressed envelope with your mailed application to receive a copy of the application stamped with the pending application number.
Personal information is collected under section 26(a) and 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of processing statutory applications, including receipt of payment where applicable. Questions about LTSA’s privacy protection practices can be sent to LTSA Privacy Officer at FOIPPA@ltsa.ca
Submit Online for Faster Registration
When you submit online with the BC Services Card app and your application meets legal requirements, registration will often occur in 2 business days. Applications are processed 6 am to 11 pm, Monday to Saturday (excluding system maintenance times).
You will receive an automated email when your application is accepted by LTSA. The email will include a copy of the accepted application with its pending application number and a link to withdraw your application if you change your mind and do not want it to be registered. You’ll be notified by email when your application is registered.
If submitting by mail or in person, turnaround times for registration are typically 10-15 business days, and you must purchase a State of Title Certificate to be notified that your application has been registered.
Ways to Submit
Online
1) Login with the BC Services Card app
If you don’t have the BC Services Card app on your mobile device, you need to set it up first.
2) Fill out the application online
3) Request a State of Title Certificate (optional)
If you have requested a State of Title Certificate as proof of the change once registered, payment can be made by VISA or Mastercard before submitting the application.
4) Submit online
You will receive a tracking number and copy of your completed application by email in case you have any questions. Once accepted, your application with its pending application number will also be sent to you by email.
5) Submit a Corrective Declaration, if required (optional)
If your application doesn’t meet legal requirements, you will receive an email explaining the problem with a link to file a corrective declaration online. You’ll be notified by email when your corrected application is registered.
6) Withdraw your Application, if desired (optional)
Until your application is registered, you have the option to withdraw your application by using the link included in the email with your accepted application. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be reinstated and you will need to start a new application if required.
Other ways to submit
By mail
1) Fill out the application online
2) Request a State of Title Certificate (optional)
If you’d like proof of the change once registered, request a State of Title Certificate through the online application form. Include a cheque in Canadian funds for $15.63 payable for each parcel (PID) to: Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia.
3) Download and print the application
If you do not have access to a printer, contact LTSA Customer Support at 1-877-577-LTSA (5872), press 1, for assistance.
4) Sign and date item 4 of the application with a pen
Applications must be signed with blue or black ink. The use of a digital signature or correction fluid (wite-out) will result in your application being returned to you.
5) Mail
Mail the signed and dated application to:
LTSA
Suite 500 – 11 Eighth Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 3N7
6) Correct a previously submitted application, if required (optional)
If your application doesn’t meet legal requirements, you will be mailed a notice explaining the problem and how to fix it. If the application needs to be corrected, we will return the original application to you. Once corrected you can return the application by mail or by appointment at a land title office in New Westminster, Victoria or Kamloops.
• Return your corrected application promptly.
• Do not use correction fluid (wite-out) on your paper application. This will result in your application being returned to you.
In person by appointment
1) Fill out the application online
2) Request a State of Title Certificate (optional)
If you’d like proof of the change once registered, request a State of Title Certificate through the online application form. Include a cheque in Canadian funds for $15.63 payable for each parcel (PID) to: Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia. Visa, MasterCard, and debit card are also accepted at front counters.
3) Download and print the application
If you do not have access to a printer, contact LTSA Customer Support at 1-877-577-LTSA (5872), press 1, for assistance.
4) Sign and date item 4 of the application with a pen
Applications must be signed with blue or black ink. The use of a digital signature or correction fluid (wite-out) will result in your application being returned to you.
5) Make an appointment and go in person
LTSA’s Land Title Office front counters are open by appointment only. Contact the Customer Service Centre 1-877-577-LTSA (5872), press 1, to book an in-person visit.
6) Correct a previously submitted application, if required (optional)
If your application doesn’t meet legal requirements, you will be mailed a notice explaining the problem and how to fix it. If the application needs to be corrected, we will return the original application to you. Once corrected you can return the application by mail or by appointment at a land title office in New Westminster, Victoria or Kamloops.
• Return your corrected application promptly.
• Do not use correction fluid (wite-out) on your paper application. This will result in your application being returned to you.
FAQ
What is the BC Services Card app?
The BC Services Card app is digital ID on your mobile device. To set up the app, you need a BC Services Card. You use…I don’t have a BC Services Card, now what?
You will need to provide government-issued ID to set up the BC Services Card app. To complete set up of the BC Services Card app, you must…I’m having trouble setting up the app.
Visit the BC Services Card Help Page and User Guides to troubleshoot the issue you are experiencing. If you need more help, contact the Service…How do I log in using the BC Services Card app?
Learn how to log in using a mobile device or a computer.Why does LTSA use the BC Services Card app?
LTSA uses the BC Services Card app to confirm your identity. It protects you by ensuring no one else can access services using your identity.Is my information protected?
While you may access many different services using the BC Services Card app, your privacy is always protected. The BC Services Card Program can’t see the…What information is shared with LTSA when I use the BC Services Card app?
When you login using the BC Services Card app, LTSA receives your name, street address, city/town, state or province, postal code, country, and email address.…Can I use my personal BC Services Card to file a Claim of Builders Lien application for my employer?
When you login using the BC Services Card app, you become the applicant and you must ensure that if you are filing a Claim of…