Mechanic's Lien Guide
Alabama Mechanic's Lien Guide
Lien deadlines, notice requirements, and filing procedures for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in Alabama.
Alabama Lien Deadlines
Preliminary Notice
Notice to Owner is Not Required, But You Should Send It.There is no set deadline, but the Notice of Unpaid Lien must be delivered in order to file a lien. It is best to send it BEFORE work begins or BEFORE materials are delivered. If you do this, you can file a Full Price Lien, giving you full lien rights for the amount you are owed. If you do not send this notice, you may only have the right to file an Unpaid Balance Lien, which may only be a portion of what you are owed.
Notice of Intent to Lien
BEFORE the lien is recorded.This is referred to as a Notice of Unpaid Balance, and it is required to be sent prior to a lien.
Mechanic's Lien
4 monthsMust be filed within 4 months of claimant's last furnishing labor or materials. Must be enforced within 6 months of debt becoming due. Mechanic's liens cannot be extended in Alabama.
Calculate your Alabama Mechanics Lien Deadline
Your project
DISCLAIMER: These deadlines are pulled from recent lien laws, but you should consult a lien expert or lawyer to understand the deadlines specific to your situation.
Alabama deadlines
Showing deadlines for a Subcontractor. Deadlines can vary by role.
Enter your project dates on the left to calculate exact deadline dates.
Preliminary Notice
Notice of Unpaid Lien must be provided to owner before filing lien (no direct contract with owner)
Enter project dates to calculate
Mechanics Lien Filing
4 months after last providing materials or labor
Enter project dates to calculate
Enforcement (foreclosure)
6 months after lien recording
Calculated once you record the lien
Unpaid-balance state: your lien may be limited to the amount the owner still owes the general contractor when notice is received.
Alabama Lien Guide
Preliminary Notice & Notice of Intent
Preliminary Notice: GC/Prime - Not required Subs/suppliers - Not required, but you should send before work begins (or before materials are used if you supply materials). If you do this, you can file a Full Price Lien, giving you full lien rights for the amount you are owed. If you do not send this notice, you may only have the right to file an Unpaid Balance Lien, which may only be a portion of what you are owed. Notice of Intent to Lien: Subcontractors and suppliers who do not have a direct contract with the project owner need to file a Notice of Unpaid Balance.
Who Can File a Mechanic's Lien
Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and architects are entitled to mechanic's lien rights in Alabama. Suppliers to suppliers are not covered. An individual who is required to be licensed as a contractor but does not have a valid license also is not covered.
Who Gets the Notice
Notice is given to the project owner.
Information Required
Information needed to file a mechanic's lien in Alabama includes: - Project owner’s name - Description of labor/materials - Property description - Amount owed - Claimant’s information
Alabama Public Works
In Alabama, a mechanic's lien on public works projects is not available. Alabama allows subcontractors and suppliers to file suit on a payment bond for public works projects. Bonds are required for contracts exceeding $50,000. A 45-day preliminary written notice is required in order to file suit. The claimant must file suit within 1 year of settling the contract.
Alabama Lien Statutes
Official Resources
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