Mechanic's Lien Guide
Maryland Mechanic's Lien Guide
Lien deadlines, notice requirements, and filing procedures for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in Maryland.
Maryland Lien Deadlines
Preliminary Notice
Not RequiredIntent to Lien
120 daysMust be served by the 120th day from the last furnishing of labor or materials. It is recommended that you serve this earlier and then file with the courts a Petition to Establish a Lien as soon as possible in order to have time for the court decision and filing of lien.
Mechanic's lien
180 daysThe lien must be filed within 180 days from last furnishing labor or materials. However, you MUST start this process earlier than 180 days (best practice by 120 days from last furnishing) because a court must decide if you have the right to file a lien. You MUST file with the courts a Petition to Establish a Lien. A Petition to Establish a Lien is a legal document filed in court to initiate the process of securing a mechanic's lien on a property. The purpose of the petition is to ask the court to review the claim and determine if there is probable cause to believe the claimant is entitled to a lien. Lawsuit to enforce must be filed within 1 year of last furnishing. Mechanic's liens cannot be extended in Maryland.
Calculate your Maryland 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.
Maryland deadlines
Showing deadlines for a Subcontractor. Deadlines can vary by role.
Enter your project dates on the left to calculate exact deadline dates.
Notice of Intent to Lien
120 days from last furnishing
Enter project dates to calculate
Mechanics Lien Filing
180 days from last furnishing (Petition to Establish)
Enter project dates to calculate
Enforcement (foreclosure)
1 year from the date the Petition to Establish was filed
Calculated once you record the lien
Maryland Lien Guide
Preliminary Notice & Notice of Intent
Preliminary Notice: Not required Notice of Intent to Lien: Aka Notice to Owner is required for subcontractors and suppliers on commercial and owner-occupied residential projects and must be sent within 120 days from the last day of furnishing labor or materials.
Who Can File a Mechanic's Lien
Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and engineers are entitled to mechanic's lien rights in Maryland.
Who Gets the Notice
Notice is given to the project owner.
Information Required
Information needed to file a mechanic's lien in Maryland includes: - Project owner's name - Description of the property - Amount owed - Description of the work or materials - Claimant's information
Maryland Public Works
In Maryland, a mechanic's lien on public works projects is not available. Subcontractors and suppliers can file suit against a payment bond. The prime contractor must post a payment bond for public construction projects over $100,000 (Maryland Little Miller Act). To make a claim, must serve Notice of Claim on the prime contractor and surety within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials. A lawsuit to enforce must be filed within 1 year of final furnishing.
Maryland Lien Statutes
Official Resources
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