What's Changing on June 30, 2025?
British Columbia's commercial lien regime is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades. The new Commercial Liens Act (CLA) replaces a patchwork of older statutes and common law, creating a unified framework.
If you own commercial property in BC and hire contractors, repair services, or any service provider who works on goods or equipment, these changes directly affect you.
The Key Changes You Need to Know
1. Liens Attach Immediately
Under the new law, a commercial lien attaches to goods the moment services begin—not when they're completed. This means:
- A contractor starting work on your HVAC system has lien rights from day one
- You can't avoid a lien by quickly moving goods off-site
- Protection requires proactive planning, not reactive measures
2. Two Ways to Perfect a Lien
Previously, service providers often had to retain physical possession of goods to maintain their lien rights. The new CLA offers two options:
Option A: Possession
- Traditional method—keep the goods until paid
Option B: Registration
- Register the lien in the Personal Property Registry (PPR)
- Allows release of goods while maintaining lien rights
- Creates public notice of the claim
This flexibility is good for service providers but means property owners face more potential registered liens.
3. Streamlined Enforcement
The CLA modernizes how liens are enforced:
- New standardized notice procedures
- Clearer timelines for sale of goods
- Better dispute resolution framework
How to Protect Your Commercial Property
Before Hiring Contractors
- Get everything in writing with clear payment milestones
- Check the Personal Property Registry before accepting any equipment or goods
- Include lien waiver clauses in your service contracts
- Require progress invoicing to avoid large unpaid balances
If a Lien is Filed Against Your Property
- Verify the claim - Is it properly registered? Are the amounts accurate?
- Check timelines - Liens must be enforced within specific periods
- Negotiate first - Many liens are resolved through payment plans
- Seek legal counsel - The CLA has specific procedural requirements
Impact on Different Commercial Property Types
Retail Properties
Equipment repairs, refrigeration services, and fit-out contractors can now more easily maintain lien rights even after completing work.
Industrial Properties
Manufacturing equipment, fleet vehicles, and machinery are all subject to the new lien rules. Track all service providers carefully.
Office Buildings
HVAC, elevator, and building system contractors have enhanced rights under the CLA.
What This Means for Your Existing Contracts
The transition date of June 30, 2025 is critical:
- Liens arising before this date follow the old rules
- Liens arising after follow the CLA
- Review all ongoing service contracts for lien exposure
Need Help Understanding Your Exposure?
The Commercial Liens Act changes how you should structure contractor relationships. If you own commercial property in Metro Vancouver, now is the time to review your standard contracts and vendor relationships.
Call or text David directly: (236) 998-5841
We help commercial property owners navigate BC's complex regulatory environment.