Getting paid on time in Alberta: prompt payment deadlines and the 60-day lien window

Unpaid work in Alberta usually turns into a loss not because the law gives no remedy, but because the clocks ran out. The Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act sets fixed payment periods that start when a proper invoice is received, and separate, short periods for registering a lien against the land.

These are the numbers to put in your calendar on every job.

Who and what is covered

All new construction contracts have had to follow the Act since August 29, 2022; existing contracts that ran past August 29, 2024 had to comply by that date. The Government of Alberta names contractors, subcontractors, labourers and regulated professional engineers and architects as the parties affected. Alberta government contracts under the Public Works Act are exempt from these payment timelines. Whether a particular home renovation is covered depends on whether the work is an 'improvement' and the homeowner is an 'owner' as the Act defines those terms, so homeowners and renovators should check that before relying on the timelines.

The payment clocks

An owner must pay a contractor within 28 calendar days of receiving a proper invoice. An owner who disputes an invoice must give notice within 14 calendar days of receiving it; the notice of non-payment must state the amount withheld and the reasons. A contractor must pay its subcontractors within 7 calendar days of receiving payment from the owner. Because everything runs from receipt of a proper invoice, record the date and method each invoice was delivered.

Disputes: adjudication instead of court

Contractors and subcontractors can refer payment disputes to adjudication if they have not already started a court application. Adjudication can cover valuation, payment, notices of non-payment and retained lien amounts. Notices of adjudication are obtained from a nominating authority; the Government of Alberta names ARCANA (AB) and ADACC as the two currently operating.

The lien window: 60 days, or 90 for ready-mix concrete

If you are not paid, a construction lien must be registered at Land Titles within 60 calendar days (not business days) for a regular lien, counted from the date the work was completed or the last materials were supplied. For the supply of ready-mix concrete, and for oil and gas wells, the period is 90 days. The minimum amount that can be claimed is $700, and the address for service must be in Alberta.

A registered lien expires after 180 days

A lien is valid for 180 calendar days from the date it is registered on title. To keep it alive longer, you must file a statement of claim at the Court of King's Bench, obtain a certificate of lis pendens from the clerk and register it at Land Titles before the 180 days end. If you do not, the lien expires and cannot be registered on that title again.

Prevention Checklist

• Send proper invoices and record the date each one was received.
• Owners: pay within 28 days or send a notice of non-payment with reasons within 14 days.
• Contractors: pay subcontractors within 7 days of receiving payment.
• Use adjudication for payment disputes before starting a court application.
• Count 60 calendar days (90 for ready-mix concrete) from the last work or materials and register the lien in time.
• Diarise day 180 after registration and file the claim and certificate of lis pendens before it.
• Homeowners and renovators: check whether your project is covered before relying on these timelines.

References

1. Government of Alberta. Prompt payment rules for construction industry, Web page, Payment timelines; Holdbacks; Adjudication; Updates. Accessed 2026-11-01.
2. Alberta Land Titles Office. Construction Lien Checklist, PDF, 2025, Important information 1-3; minimum claim; address for service. Accessed 2026-11-01.

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