Mechanics Lien Deadlines in Maryland
In Maryland a mechanics lien is established by filing a petition in the circuit court within a set period after the work is finished, subcontractors must first give written notice of intention to claim a lien, and the right to enforce the lien lasts one year from when the petition was first filed.
Maryland's mechanics' lien law is found in the Real Property Article, Title 9, Subtitle 1 of the Maryland Code. Every building erected, and every building repaired, rebuilt, or improved to the extent of 15 percent of its value, is subject to a lien for debts contracted for work done and for materials furnished. Rather than recording a claim, a person entitled to a lien in Maryland establishes it by filing a petition to establish the mechanic's lien in the circuit court for the county where the land is located. A subcontractor must first give the owner written notice of an intention to claim a lien.
Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in Maryland
Every building erected, and every building repaired, rebuilt, or improved to the extent of 15 percent of its value, is subject to establishment of a lien for the payment of debts contracted for work done for or about the building and for materials furnished. 1
To establish the lien, a person entitled to a lien must file proceedings in the circuit court for the county where the land is located within 180 days after the work has been finished or the materials furnished. 2
The right to enforce any lien established under this subtitle expires at the end of one year from the day on which the petition to establish the lien was first filed. 3
Sources
Every building erected, and every building repaired, rebuilt, or improved to the extent of 15 percent of its value, is subject to establishment of a lien for the payment of debts contracted for work done for or about the building and for materials furnished for or about the building.
To establish a lien, a person entitled to a lien must file proceedings in the circuit court for the county where the land is located within 180 days after the work has been finished or the materials furnished.
The right to enforce any lien established under this subtitle expires at the end of one year from the day on which the petition to establish the lien was first filed.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a subcontractor have to give notice of an intention to claim a lien in Maryland?
- A subcontractor must give written notice of an intention to claim a lien within 120 days after doing the work or furnishing the materials.
- What is the deadline to file for a mechanics lien in Maryland?
- A person entitled to a lien must file proceedings to establish the lien in the circuit court within 180 days after the work has been finished or the materials furnished.
- How long is a Maryland mechanics lien enforceable?
- The right to enforce the lien expires at the end of one year from the day on which the petition to establish the lien was first filed.
- Can a subcontractor be required to waive its lien rights in advance?
- An executory contract between a contractor and a subcontractor may not waive or require the subcontractor to waive the right to claim a mechanics' lien or to sue on a contractor's bond.
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.