Mechanics Lien Deadlines in Maine
Maine law gives those who furnish labor, materials, or covered services a lien on the improved property, with a certificate that must be filed within 90 days of ceasing work and an enforcement action that must be filed within 120 days of last furnishing.
Maine's mechanics lien statutes appear in Title 10, Chapter 603 of the Maine Revised Statutes. They set out who may claim a lien on a building and the land it stands on, how an owner may head off a lien before work is done, the deadline to file the lien certificate with the register of deeds, and the separate deadline to bring an action to enforce the lien. The rules distinguish a claimant who contracts directly with the owner from one who does not.
Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in Maine
The lien attaches by virtue of a contract with or by consent of the owner and reaches the building, the land on which it stands, and any interest the owner has in the same. 1
The lien is dissolved unless the claimant, within 90 days after ceasing to labor, furnish materials, or perform services, takes the required steps. 2
To preserve the lien the claimant files in the office of the register of deeds a true statement of the amount due, subscribed and sworn to. 2
The lien may be enforced by action filed with the Superior Court or District Court clerk within 120 days after the last of the labor or services are performed or materials are furnished. 3
If the work was not furnished by a contract with the owner, the claimant may not serve the complaint and summons on the owner until 30 days after the date of filing of the complaint. 3
Sources
The lien attaches by virtue of a contract with or by consent of the owner, on the building and on the land on which it stands and on any interest the owner has in the same.
The lien is dissolved unless the claimant acts within 90 days after ceasing to labor, furnish materials or perform services.
To preserve the lien the claimant files in the office of the register of deeds a true statement of the amount due the claimant.
The lien may be enforced by action filed with the Superior Court or District Court clerk within 120 days after the last of the labor or services are performed or materials are so furnished.
If the work was not furnished by a contract with the owner, the claimant may not serve the complaint and summons on the owner until 30 days after the date of filing of the complaint.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to file a mechanics lien certificate in Maine?
- The lien is dissolved unless the claimant files the required statement with the register of deeds within 90 days after ceasing to labor, furnish materials, or perform services, except where the claimant contracted directly with the owner.
- How long do I have to enforce the lien?
- The lien may be preserved and enforced by an action filed with the Superior Court or District Court clerk within 120 days after the last of the labor or services are performed or materials are furnished.
- Does it matter whether I contracted directly with the owner?
- Yes. A claimant who furnished work by a contract with the owner is exempt from the 90-day dissolution rule of section 3253, and a claimant who did not contract with the owner must wait 30 days after filing the complaint before serving it on the owner.
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.