Mechanics Lien Deadlines in Arizona
Arizona's mechanics lien statutes set a preliminary twenty day notice requirement, a recording deadline tied to completion, and a six month window to foreclose.
Arizona's mechanics lien law appears in Title 33, Chapter 7 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. It defines who may claim a lien for labor, professional services, and materials, and it fixes the notices and deadlines a claimant must meet to record and enforce a lien. The paragraphs below summarize the core requirements drawn directly from the statute.
Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in Arizona
Under A.R.S. 33-981, every person who labors or furnishes professional services, materials, machinery, fixtures, or tools in the construction, alteration, or repair of a building or structure has a lien on that improvement. 1
A claimant who must give the preliminary twenty day notice under A.R.S. 33-992.01 has to serve it not later than twenty days after first furnishing labor, professional services, materials, machinery, fixtures, or tools to the jobsite. 2
To perfect the lien, A.R.S.
A recorded lien lasts no longer than six months after it is recorded under A.R.S. 33-998 unless the claimant brings an action to enforce it within that period and records a notice of pendency of action. 3
A.R.S.
Under A.R.S.
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Under A.R.S. 33-981, every person who labors or furnishes professional services, materials, machinery, fixtures, or tools in the construction, alteration, or repair of a building or structure has a lien on that improvement.
A.R.S. 33-992.01 requires the preliminary twenty day notice to be given not later than twenty days after the claimant first furnishes labor, professional services, materials, machinery, fixtures, or tools to the jobsite.
Under A.R.S. 33-998, a recorded lien continues no longer than six months after it is recorded unless an action to enforce it is brought within that period and a notice of pendency of action is recorded.
Frequently asked questions
- When must the preliminary twenty day notice be served in Arizona?
- Under A.R.S. 33-992.01, the preliminary twenty day notice must be given not later than twenty days after the claimant first furnishes labor, professional services, materials, machinery, fixtures, or tools to the jobsite.
- What is the deadline to record a mechanics lien in Arizona?
- A.R.S. 33-993 requires recording the notice and claim of lien within one hundred twenty days after completion, or within sixty days after recordation of a notice of completion if one has been recorded.
- How long does a claimant have to foreclose a mechanics lien in Arizona?
- Under A.R.S. 33-998, a lien continues no longer than six months after it is recorded unless an action to enforce it is brought within that period and a notice of pendency of action is recorded.
- Are owner-occupied dwellings treated differently in Arizona?
- Yes. A.R.S. 33-1002 provides that no lien is allowed against the dwelling of a person who became an owner-occupant before the work, except by a person who contracted in writing directly with the owner-occupant.
Last reviewed August 4, 2026
This page is general information about state law, not legal advice. Laws change, and how they apply depends on the facts of your situation.