How long do I have to enforce an Alaska mechanics lien?

A lien does not bind real property for more than six months after the claim of lien is recorded, unless an action is commenced in the proper court to enforce the lien within that time.

Mechanics Lien Deadlines in Alaska

Alaska Statutes AS 34.35.050 through AS 34.35.080 set who may claim a construction lien, an optional notice of right to lien, the time to record the claim of lien, and the time to bring an action to enforce it.

By Savallio Editorial

Alaska's construction lien rules live in Title 34, Chapter 35 of the Alaska Statutes. AS 34.35.050 identifies who may claim a lien for labor, materials, services, or equipment furnished to real property. AS 34.35.064 describes an optional notice of right to lien that a person may give before furnishing. AS 34.35.068 sets the deadlines to record a claim of lien, and AS 34.35.080 fixes how long the lien lasts and the window to commence an enforcement action.

Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in Alaska

A person has a lien, only to the extent provided under the chapter, to secure the payment of the contract price if the person meets the conditions the statute lists. ¹

Among those covered is a person who performs labor upon real property at the request of the owner or the agent of the owner for the construction, alteration, or repair of a building or improvement. ²

Before furnishing labor, material, service, or equipment for a project, a person may give a notice of right to lien to the owner or the owner's agent. ³

If the owner does not record a notice of completion, a claim of lien shall be recorded not later than 120 days after the claimant ceases to furnish labor, material, services, or equipment for the construction, alteration, or repair of the owner's property. ⁴

Sources

A person has a lien, only to the extent provided under this chapter, to secure the payment of the contract price if the person meets the conditions the statute lists.
Alaska Statutes AS 34.35.050 (Lien for labor or materials furnished)Alaska Statutes 2025, AS 34.35.050Verified 8.4.26↑
A person who performs labor upon real property at the request of the owner or the agent of the owner for the construction, alteration, or repair of a building or improvement is covered.
Alaska Statutes AS 34.35.050(1)Alaska Statutes 2025, AS 34.35.050Verified 8.4.26↑
Before furnishing labor, material, service, or equipment for a project, a person may give a notice of right to lien to the owner or the owner's agent.
Alaska Statutes AS 34.35.064(a) (Notice of right to lien)Alaska Statutes 2025, AS 34.35.064Verified 8.4.26↑
A claim of lien shall be recorded not later than 120 days after the claimant ceases to furnish labor, material, services, or equipment for the construction, alteration, or repair of the owner's property.
Alaska Statutes AS 34.35.068(a) (Time periods for claiming liens)Alaska Statutes 2025, AS 34.35.068Verified 8.4.26↑

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to record a mechanics lien in Alaska?: If the owner does not record a notice of completion, a claim of lien shall be recorded not later than 120 days after the claimant ceases to furnish labor, material, services, or equipment for the construction, alteration, or repair of the owner's property. If a notice of completion is recorded, a claimant identified in the statute shall record a claim of lien or a notice of right to lien not later than 15 days after the notice of completion is recorded.
How long do I have to enforce an Alaska mechanics lien?: A lien does not bind real property for more than six months after the claim of lien is recorded, unless an action is commenced in the proper court to enforce the lien within that time.
Do I have to give a notice before furnishing?: Before furnishing labor, material, service, or equipment for a project, a person may give a notice of right to lien to the owner or the owner's agent.

Last reviewed 8.4.26

This page is general information about state law, not legal advice. Laws change, and how they apply depends on the facts of your situation.