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Texas Lien Waiver Forms — Generate in 60 Seconds

Generate Texas-compliant lien waivers that follow the mandatory statutory forms prescribed by Property Code Section 53.284. All four waiver types available with free preview. Notarization is no longer required for contracts entered on or after January 1, 2022.

Generate Texas Waiver

Which Type Do You Need?

Texas uses the same 4-type framework as California. Two key factors determine which form you need: (1) whether payment has cleared, and (2) whether this covers a progress payment or the entire project. Texas adds unique protection: it is ILLEGAL to require an unconditional waiver without actual payment (Section 53.283).

Decision Tree

1
Mid-project draw and payment has NOT cleared?
Use Conditional Progress Waiverlearn more
2
Mid-project draw and payment HAS cleared?
Use Unconditional Progress Waiverlearn more
3
Final payment and check has NOT cleared?
Use Conditional Final Waiverlearn more
4
Final payment and check HAS cleared?
Use Unconditional Final Waiverlearn more

Texas Lien Waiver Rules at a Glance

Mandatory statutory forms

Property Code 53.284 prescribes four forms. Non-compliant waivers are unenforceable (Section 53.281).

Notarization NOT required

For contracts entered on/after January 1, 2022 (HB 2237). Pre-2022 contracts still require notarization.

Illegal to require unconditional waivers without payment

Section 53.283 prohibits this. The forms themselves contain a bold notice warning of this prohibition.

Advance waivers unenforceable

Section 53.282. Exception: single-family residential contracts.

10% reserved funds

Owner must reserve 10% of contract price for 30 days after completion (Section 53.101).

Filing deadlines

Residential: 15th day of 3rd month. Commercial: 15th day of 4th month after last furnishing.

Texas Lien Waiver Legal Requirements

Texas is a mandatory statutory form state. Property Code Section 53.284 prescribes four forms. Section 53.281 makes any non-compliant waiver "unenforceable." Like California, substantial compliance is required — but Texas adds a unique feature: unconditional forms must include a bold notice (at least 10-point type) warning that it is PROHIBITED to require an unconditional waiver without actual payment. HB 2237 (effective January 1, 2022) was a major overhaul that removed the notarization requirement, consolidated notice tiers, and renamed "statutory retainage" to "reserved funds." Many competitors haven't updated their pages to reflect the post-2022 rules.

Recent Law Changes

  • HB 2237 (effective January 1, 2022): removed notarization requirement for contracts entered on/after that date, consolidated notice tiers, renamed 'statutory retainage' to 'reserved funds.'

Texas Conditional Progress Waiver

Statutory reference: Property Code 53.284(b)

What It Is

Waives lien rights for a progress payment, effective only when the check clears the bank.

When to Use

When exchanging a waiver for a progress payment you haven't received yet.

Key Legal Points

  • Effective only when check is "properly endorsed and has been paid by the bank on which it is drawn."
  • Covers progress payment only — excludes unpaid retention, pending modifications/changes, and items furnished after covered period.
  • Includes a warranty that signer will "promptly pay in full" all laborers, subs, materialmen, and suppliers.
  • Includes a verification warning to recipients.
  • Required fields: Project, Job No., payer (maker of check), amount, payee, owner, location, description of work.

Tips

  • The warranty clause (will pay subs/suppliers) is unique to Texas forms — doesn't appear in CA's.
  • No notarization needed for post-2022 contracts.
  • Keep copies of the attached statement(s) or progress payment request(s) referenced in the form.
Generate a Texas Conditional Progress Waiver

Texas Unconditional Progress Waiver

Statutory reference: Property Code 53.284(c)

What It Is

Immediately waives lien rights for a progress payment upon signing. Includes the bold "PROHIBITED" notice.

When to Use

Only after you've received the progress payment in good and sufficient funds.

Key Legal Points

  • "THIS DOCUMENT WAIVES RIGHTS UNCONDITIONALLY AND STATES THAT YOU HAVE BEEN PAID FOR GIVING UP THOSE RIGHTS. IT IS PROHIBITED FOR A PERSON TO REQUIRE YOU TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN PAID THE PAYMENT AMOUNT SET FORTH BELOW."
  • Notice must be at least 10-point type.
  • Section 53.283 makes it illegal to require this form without actual payment.
  • Same exclusions as conditional progress (unpaid retention, pending modifications).
  • Includes warranty clause.

Warning

If someone asks you to sign this before you've been paid, they're breaking the law. Section 53.283 is explicit. Use a conditional form instead and push back.

Tips

  • The bold notice is your legal shield — point to it if pressured.
  • Texas provides stronger unconditional waiver protection than California.
Generate a Texas Unconditional Progress Waiver

Texas Conditional Final Waiver

Statutory reference: Property Code 53.284(d)

What It Is

Waives lien rights for ALL labor, services, equipment, and materials on the entire project, conditioned on receipt of final payment.

When to Use

When submitting a request for the final payment (including retainage) and you haven't received it yet.

Key Legal Points

  • Covers "the final payment... for all labor, services, equipment, or materials" — no retention carve-out.
  • Final payment should include everything.
  • Conditional on check clearing the bank.
  • Warranty extends to ALL subs/suppliers "up to the date of this waiver and release."
  • Verification warning included.

Tips

  • Make sure the final payment amount includes all retainage and pending change orders.
  • The "up to the date" warranty language means you're warranting you'll pay everyone for the whole project.
Generate a Texas Conditional Final Waiver

Texas Unconditional Final Waiver

Statutory reference: Property Code 53.284(e)

What It Is

States signer "has been paid in full." Immediately and irrevocably releases all lien rights. Includes the bold "PROHIBITED" notice.

When to Use

Only after ALL payment — including final payment and retainage — has been received in good and sufficient funds.

Key Legal Points

  • Same bold notice as unconditional progress.
  • "Paid in full" for all labor, services, equipment, materials for the entire project.
  • Warranty to pay all subs/suppliers.
  • No exceptions or carve-outs.
  • Most consequential Texas waiver form.

Warning

Do not sign with any amounts outstanding. Do not sign under pressure — the law is on your side (Section 53.283).

Tips

  • This is the final, complete release. Verify every dollar before signing.
  • If disputes remain, use a conditional final instead and resolve separately.
Generate a Texas Unconditional Final Waiver

Common Texas Lien Waiver Mistakes

  1. 1

    Not knowing about the 2022 notarization change

    For contracts entered on/after January 1, 2022, notarization is no longer required. Many contractors (and some GCs) still think it's mandatory. Check your original contract date.

  2. 2

    Signing an unconditional waiver under pressure before payment

    Texas law explicitly prohibits requiring this (Section 53.283). The bold notice on the form is your protection. Use a conditional form if you haven't been paid.

  3. 3

    Confusing "reserved funds" with "contractual retainage"

    HB 2237 renamed these. Reserved funds = the 10% the owner must hold (Section 53.101). Contractual retainage = what the GC holds from subs per their contract. Different obligations, different rules.

  4. 4

    Using a pre-2022 form for a post-2022 contract

    The forms themselves haven't changed, but the notarization and notice requirements have. Make sure your process matches the contract date.

How to Use the Texas Lien Waiver Generator

  1. 1

    Select your waiver type using the decision guide above.

  2. 2

    Fill in fields: project name, Job No., owner, property location, description of work, payment details, your company info.

  3. 3

    Preview the form (free, watermarked).

  4. 4

    Download the clean PDF ($5 one-time or included with $19/mo subscription).

  5. 5

    Sign and deliver. Statutory language and bold notices are already included.

Generate Your Texas Lien Waiver

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Texas Lien Waiver FAQ

Does Texas require specific statutory lien waiver forms?
Yes. Property Code 53.284 prescribes four mandatory forms. Non-compliant waivers are unenforceable under Section 53.281.
Do lien waivers need to be notarized in Texas?
Not anymore, for contracts entered on or after January 1, 2022. This changed under HB 2237. Pre-2022 contracts still require notarization.
What's the difference between a conditional and unconditional lien waiver in Texas?
Conditional: effective only when the check clears the bank. Unconditional: effective immediately upon signing. Texas adds unique protection: it is ILLEGAL to require an unconditional waiver without actual payment (Section 53.283). The unconditional forms include a bold notice stating this.
Can I waive lien rights before receiving payment in Texas?
No. Advance waivers are unenforceable under Section 53.282. Exception: single-family residential contracts.
Can someone require me to sign an unconditional waiver before I'm paid?
No. Section 53.283 prohibits this. The bold notice on unconditional forms explicitly says: "IT IS PROHIBITED FOR A PERSON TO REQUIRE YOU TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN PAID."
What are Texas's lien filing deadlines?
Residential: 15th day of the 3rd month after last furnishing. Commercial: 15th day of the 4th month. Retainage claims: 15th day of the 3rd month after the original contract was completed/terminated.
What is the 10% reserved funds requirement in Texas?
The owner must reserve 10% of the contract price for 30 days after work is completed (Section 53.101). This secures subcontractor and supplier claims. It's separate from contractual retainage between GC and subs.
Is a Texas lien waiver the same as a lien release?
Similar but distinct. A waiver prevents future lien rights. A release of lien discharges an existing recorded lien. Different documents, different purposes.
Does a progress waiver cover retainage?
No. Both conditional and unconditional progress forms explicitly exclude "unpaid retention, pending modifications and changes, or other items furnished."
What if I don't use the Texas statutory form?
Your waiver is unenforceable. Property Code 53.284(a) requires substantial compliance with the prescribed forms. A non-statutory form has no legal effect.

Lien Waiver Forms for Other States

California*Florida*New YorkIllinois

* = mandatory statutory form language required

Legal Disclaimer

LienWaiver.pro is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Our templates are designed to comply with applicable state statutes, but laws change and every situation is different. Consult a licensed construction attorney for legal advice specific to your project. By using this service, you agree to our Terms of Service.