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.
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 required to process this statutory application, and any fees owing, is collected under section 26(a) and 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. 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 typically 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.
If submitting by mail or in person, turnaround times for registration are typically 10-15 business days.
Registration Process
When you submit your application with LTSA:
- LTSA reviews your application to determine if it meets legal requirements.
- If your application doesn’t meet requirements, you will be mailed a notice explaining the problem. Even for applications submitted online, LTSA is required by legislation to mail notices by Canada Post.
- Mail back your corrected application promptly.
- Do not use correction fluid (wite-out) on your application. This will result in your application being returned to you.
- Once your application is registered, the Claim of Builders Lien will be added to the titles in your application.
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) 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.
Other ways to submit
By mail
1) Fill out the application online
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) Request a State of Title Certificate (optional)
If you’d like proof of the change once registered, request a State of Title Certificate by filling out this form. Include a cheque in Canadian funds for $15.63 payable for each parcel (PID) to: Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia.
5) Mail
Mail the signed and dated application to:
Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia
Suite 500 – 11 Eighth Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 3N7
In person by appointment
1) Fill out the application online
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) Request a State of Title Certificate (optional)
If you’d like proof of the change once registered, request a State of Title Certificate by filling out this form. Include a cheque in Canadian funds for $15.63 payable for each parcel (PID) to: Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia.
5) Deliver 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.