Notices & Mechanics Liens
Preliminary notice generator
Build a preliminary notice with the parties, property and dates filled.
Open Preliminary notice generatorNotices & Mechanics Liens
6 tools · 9 guides · 3 comparisons
Preliminary notices, notices of intent, and the mechanics lien itself — who must send what, and the deadline that ends the right.
Notice first, lien second, suit third
A mechanics lien is the strongest collection tool a subcontractor has, because it attaches to the property rather than to a promise. It is also the easiest one to lose. Most states make the right depend on a chain of dated steps: a preliminary notice near the start of the work, a notice of intent once payment stalls in some states, a recorded claim of lien inside a fixed window after the work ends, and a lawsuit to enforce it before the lien expires. Miss one link and the later ones may not save you.
The windows are set by statute and differ by state and by your tier on the job. Start with what a mechanics lien is, then run your own dates through the deadline calculator. On public work you cannot lien the property at all; the lien vs payment bond comparison explains the bond claim that takes its place.
Where to start
- 01Mechanics lien deadlines by stateNotice, recording and suit windows with the statute cite.
- 02Preliminary notice generatorThe cheapest step, and the one most often skipped.
- 03How to file a mechanics lienThe filing sequence from notice to enforcement.
Tools
Notices & Mechanics Liens
Notice of intent to lien generator
The last letter before recording — often the one that gets you paid.
Open Notice of intent to lien generatorNotices & Mechanics Liens
Mechanics lien deadline calculator
Enter your state and last day of work; get every notice and filing date.
Open Mechanics lien deadline calculatorNotices & Mechanics Liens
Mechanics lien form builder
Draft the claim of lien with amount, legal description and verification.
Open Mechanics lien form builderNotices & Mechanics Liens
Florida notice to owner generator
Florida's statutory Notice to Owner, filled from the NOC, with your 45-day date.
Open Florida notice to owner generatorNotices & Mechanics Liens
Stop payment notice generator
A California stop payment notice, private or public, with serve and suit dates.
Open Stop payment notice generatorGuides and comparisons
| Title | Type |
|---|---|
| What is a mechanics lien?How the claim attaches to the property, and why it works when invoices do not. | Guide |
| How to file a mechanics lienThe eight-step filing sequence, from notice to recording to enforcement. | Guide |
| Mechanics lien deadlines by stateNotice, recording and suit deadlines in CA, TX, FL and on federal jobs, with cites. | Guide |
| Preliminary notice: who sends one and whenThe 20-day notice and its cousins — the cheapest insurance on a job. | Guide |
| Notice of intent to lienWhat the letter must say, how to serve it, and why it collects. | Guide |
| Who can file a mechanics lien?Tiers, suppliers to suppliers, licensing, and the parties who cannot claim. | Guide |
| Mechanics lien in TexasMonthly notices, the 15th-day affidavit, homesteads and a worked timeline. | Guide |
| California mechanics lien guideWho can claim, the 20-day notice, notice of completion and the 90-day suit. | Guide |
| Florida mechanics lien guideNotice to Owner, claim of lien, suit and waivers, read from chapter 713. | Guide |
| Mechanics lien vs payment bond claimPrivate job or public job — which remedy exists, and the deadlines for each. | Comparison |
| Miller Act vs Little Miller ActFederal bond claims next to CA, TX, FL and NY: thresholds, notices, suit dates. | Comparison |
| Preliminary notice vs notice of intent to lienOne protects lien rights at the start, the other demands payment before you record. | Comparison |