Before you file anything — get your paperwork in order first. Courts and attorneys both care about documentation. The more you have, the stronger your position.
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Mechanic's Lien — Quick Reference
Deadlines are everything. Lien rights expire. Miss the window and you may lose your ability to file — regardless of how much you're owed. Deadlines vary by state. Check your state's specific statute.
What it is
A legal claim attached to a property that secures payment for labor, materials, or services. The owner cannot sell or refinance the property with an active lien on it — giving you leverage.
Who can file
General contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, equipment lessors, and design professionals. You don't need a contract with the owner — a contract with the GC is usually sufficient.
Preliminary notices
Most states require a preliminary notice sent to the owner and/or GC within a set window after first furnishing labor or materials (commonly 20–30 days). Missing this can kill your lien rights.
Filing deadlines
Typically 30–120 days after last day of work or last material delivery, depending on the state and your role (GC vs. sub vs. supplier). File before the deadline — not after.
What to include
Property legal description, owner name, claimant name, GC name, amount owed, dates of first and last work, itemized statement of what's owed and why.
After filing
You must enforce the lien by filing a lawsuit within the enforcement window (often 90–365 days after filing). An unenforced lien expires and gets released.
Bond claims
On public (government) projects, you typically cannot lien public property. Instead, file a payment bond claim against the contractor's surety bond — the bond is there for exactly this situation.
Get an attorney
For significant amounts, hire a construction attorney. Many work on contingency for lien matters. A single filing error can void your claim entirely. The cost of advice is cheap compared to losing what you're owed.