Maine Mechanic's Lien Guide

No preliminary notice is required in Maine. However, a claimant without a direct contract with the owner should be aware that the owner may cut off future lien rights: under 10 M.R.S. § 3252, if the owner gives written notice that the owner will not be responsible, no lien attaches for labor, materials, or services not yet performed or furnished at the time of that notice.

A subcontractor who did not contract directly with the owner must record a lien certificate within 90 days after ceasing to labor, furnish materials, or perform services. The claimant files a true, sworn statement of the amount due (with all just credits given), a description of the property sufficient to identify it, and the names of the owners in the register of deeds for the county or registry district where the property is located, and must provide a copy of that statement to the owner(s) by ordinary mail. A post office certificate of mailing is conclusive proof of receipt. An action to enforce the lien must be commenced by filing a complaint with the Superior Court or District Court within 120 days after the last of the labor, materials, or services are furnished. When the labor, materials, or services were not provided under a direct contract with the owner, the complaint and summons cannot be served on the owner until 30 days after the complaint is filed.