Mechanics Lien Deadlines in Connecticut
Connecticut mechanics lien law sets who may claim a lien, a ninety day window to lodge the certificate after ceasing work, a thirty day duty to serve the owner, a ninety day notice of intent for those other than the original contractor, and a one year period to bring a foreclosure action.
Connecticut's mechanic's lien rules live in Chapter 847 of the General Statutes. A claimant who furnishes materials or renders services in construction work lodges a certificate of lien with the town clerk and serves a copy on the owner, and the lien must be enforced by a foreclosure action within a set period. The sections below set out who may claim, the recording and notice deadlines, the fifteen day affidavit that lets an original contractor demand notice, and the triggering events each deadline runs from.
Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in Connecticut
To have a valid lien, the person performing the services or furnishing the materials must, within ninety days after ceasing to do so, lodge a certificate in writing with the town clerk of the town in which the building, lot or plot of land is situated. 1
Not later than thirty days after lodging the certificate, the claimant must serve a true and attested copy of the certificate upon the owner of the building, lot or plot of land. 2
A person other than the original contractor must, not later than ninety days after ceasing to furnish materials or render services, give written notice to the owner of the building, lot or plot of land and to the original contractor of an intent to claim a lien. 3
An original contractor is not entitled to that notice unless, not later than fifteen days after commencing the work, the original contractor lodges an affidavit in writing with the town clerk. 4
To enforce the lien, the party claiming it must commence an action to foreclose it and record a notice of lis pendens on the land records of the town in which the lien is recorded within one year from the date the lien was recorded. 5
A lien in favor of any subcontractor does not attach to a greater extent in the whole than the amount which the owner has agreed to pay to any person through whom the subcontractor claims. 6
Sources
The person performing the services or furnishing the materials must, within ninety days after ceasing to do so, lodge a certificate in writing with the town clerk of the town in which the building, lot or plot of land is situated.
Not later than thirty days after lodging the certificate, the claimant must serve a true and attested copy of the certificate upon the owner of the building, lot or plot of land.
A person other than the original contractor must, not later than ninety days after ceasing to furnish materials or render services, give written notice to the owner of the building, lot or plot of land and to the original contractor of an intent to claim a lien.
An original contractor is not entitled to such notice unless, not later than fifteen days after commencing the work, the original contractor lodges an affidavit in writing with the town clerk.
The party claiming the lien must commence an action to foreclose it and record a notice of lis pendens on the land records of the town in which the lien is recorded within one year from the date the lien was recorded.
A lien in favor of any subcontractor does not attach to a greater extent in the whole than the amount which the owner has agreed to pay to any person through whom the subcontractor claims.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to record a Connecticut mechanics lien?
- The person performing the services or furnishing the materials must lodge the certificate in writing with the town clerk within ninety days after ceasing to do the work.
- When must I give notice to the property owner?
- Not later than thirty days after lodging the certificate, the claimant must serve a true and attested copy of the certificate upon the owner of the building, lot or plot of land.
- How long do I have to enforce a Connecticut mechanics lien?
- The party claiming the lien must commence a foreclosure action and record a notice of lis pendens within one year from the date the lien was recorded.
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.