Mechanics Lien Deadlines in Iowa
Iowa mechanics' liens are perfected by posting a verified statement of account to the state mechanics' notice and lien registry, with distinct deadlines for posting the lien and for bringing an action to enforce it.
In Iowa, a person who furnishes labor or material to improve real property may claim a mechanic's lien. The lien is perfected by posting a verified statement of account to the mechanics' notice and lien registry internet site. Iowa sets a deadline to post that statement and a separate deadline to bring an action to enforce the lien, and it imposes additional notice requirements for residential construction.
Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in Iowa
A claimant perfects a mechanic's lien by posting a verified statement of account of the demand due to the mechanics' notice and lien registry internet site. 1
A general contractor or subcontractor must post the statement of account within two years and ninety days after the date on which the last of the material was furnished or the last of the labor was performed. 2
A general contractor or subcontractor may perfect a mechanic's lien beyond ninety days after the date on which the last of the material was furnished or the last of the labor was performed by posting the lien and giving written notice of it to the owner. 3
An action to enforce a mechanic's lien must be brought within two years from the expiration of ninety days after the date on which the last of the material was furnished or the last of the labor was performed. 4
For residential construction, a general contractor or owner-builder must post a notice of commencement of work to the mechanics' notice and lien registry internet site no later than ten days after the commencement of work on the property. 5
For residential construction, a subcontractor must post a preliminary notice to the mechanics' notice and lien registry internet site. 6
Sources
A claimant perfects a mechanic's lien by posting a verified statement of account of the demand due to the mechanics' notice and lien registry internet site.
A general contractor or subcontractor must post the statement of account within two years and ninety days after the date on which the last of the material was furnished or the last of the labor was performed.
A general contractor or subcontractor may perfect a mechanic's lien beyond ninety days after the date on which the last of the material was furnished or the last of the labor was performed by posting the lien and giving written notice of it to the owner.
An action to enforce a mechanic's lien must be brought within two years from the expiration of ninety days after the date on which the last of the material was furnished or the last of the labor was performed.
For residential construction, a general contractor or owner-builder must post a notice of commencement of work to the mechanics' notice and lien registry internet site no later than ten days after the commencement of work on the property.
For residential construction, a subcontractor must post a preliminary notice to the mechanics' notice and lien registry internet site.
Frequently asked questions
- How do you file a mechanics lien in Iowa?
- You perfect the lien by posting a verified statement of account of the demand due to the mechanics' notice and lien registry internet site.
- What is the deadline to post a mechanics lien in Iowa?
- A general contractor or subcontractor must post the statement of account within two years and ninety days after the date on which the last of the material was furnished or the last of the labor was performed.
- How long do you have to enforce a mechanics lien in Iowa?
- An action to enforce a mechanic's lien must be brought within two years from the expiration of ninety days after the date on which the last of the material was furnished or the last of the labor was performed.
- Are there extra notice rules for residential construction in Iowa?
- Yes. For residential construction, a general contractor or owner-builder must post a notice of commencement of work no later than ten days after work commences, and a subcontractor must post a preliminary notice to the mechanics' notice and lien registry internet site.
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.