An owner has not received unconditional releases for the previous progress payment. What does CSLB guidance allow the owner to do before the next payment?
Correct Answer
D) Withhold the next payment until the unconditional releases are received.
CSLB mechanics lien guidance says the owner may withhold the next payment until unconditional releases for the previous payment are received.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CSLB mechanics lien guidance says the owner may withhold the next payment until unconditional releases for the previous payment are received.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Release payment based only on the contractor's assurance where an owner has not received unconditional releases for the previous progress payment, without checking releases against the payment request.
Release payment based only on the contractor's assurance where an owner has not received unconditional releases for the previous progress payment, without checking releases against the payment request. skips the written authority, scope, price, notice, or release control needed for lien releases.
Option B: Cancel the contract immediately without documenting the missing releases.
Cancel the contract immediately without documenting the missing releases. skips the written authority, scope, price, notice, or release control needed for lien releases.
Option C: Send the next payment directly to CSLB for escrow.
Send the next payment directly to CSLB for escrow. skips the written authority, scope, price, notice, or release control needed for lien releases.
Memory Technique
When cslb clashes with mechanics, let the contract speak before Answering Owner'S.
Reference Hint
Study anchor (closed-book): memorize Lien releases from CSLB Mechanics Lien guidance; California Civil Code / California Civil Code lien release forms; know the rule or calculation trigger without relying on exam-room lookup.
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