Mechanics Lien Deadlines in the District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia a contractor records a notice of intent in the land records during construction or within 90 days after the earlier of completion or termination of the project, then enforces the lien by filing suit within 180 days after the notice of intent is recorded.
The District of Columbia mechanic's lien law appears in Title 40, Chapter 3 of the D.C. Official Code. It gives a contractor who contracts with the owner a lien on the building and land, extends the same rights to subcontractors, materialmen, and laborers, and sets firm deadlines for recording a notice of intent and for bringing suit to enforce the lien.
Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in the District of Columbia
A lien arises in favor of the contractor who contracted with the owner, in the amount of the contract price or, in the absence of an express contract, the reasonable value of the project. 1
A contractor desiring to enforce the lien must record a notice of intent in the land records during the construction or within 90 days after the earlier of the completion or termination of the project. 2
A contractor who timely records the notice of intent must send the owner a copy by certified mail within 5 business days after the date of its recordation in the land records. 3
A person with a lien who has recorded a valid notice of intent may enforce it only by filing suit within 180 days after the date that the notice of intent is recorded in the land records. 4
Within 10 days of filing suit, a notice of pendency of action must be recorded in the land records. 5
Sources
A lien arises in favor of the contractor who contracted with the owner, in the amount of the contract price or, in the absence of an express contract, the reasonable value of the project.
A contractor desiring to enforce the lien must record a notice of intent in the land records during the construction or within 90 days after the earlier of the completion or termination of the project.
A contractor who timely records the notice of intent must send the owner a copy by certified mail within 5 business days after the date of its recordation in the land records.
A person with a lien who has recorded a valid notice of intent may enforce it only by filing suit within 180 days after the date that the notice of intent is recorded in the land records.
Within 10 days of filing suit, a notice of pendency of action must be recorded in the land records.
Frequently asked questions
- When must the notice of intent be recorded in the District of Columbia?
- A contractor must record the notice of intent in the land records during the construction or within 90 days after the earlier of the completion or termination of the project.
- How long is there to enforce a D.C. mechanic's lien?
- A person with a lien who has recorded a valid notice of intent may file suit to enforce it at any time within 180 days after the date that the notice of intent is recorded in the land records, and must record a notice of pendency of action within 10 days of filing suit.
- Do subcontractors have lien rights in the District of Columbia?
- A subcontractor, materialman, or laborer directly employed by the contractor to furnish work or materials for completion of the project has the same rights and obligations as the original contractor under the chapter.
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.