Mechanics Lien Deadlines in Missouri
Missouri law in Chapter 429 sets who may claim a mechanics lien, the notice requirements, and the six-month deadlines to file the lien and to bring the action to enforce it.
Missouri's mechanics lien law appears in Chapter 429 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. It identifies the persons who may claim a lien, the written notice an original contractor must give the owner, the ten days' notice others must give before filing, and the time limits to file the lien account with the circuit clerk and to commence the enforcement action. The requirements below come from the statute's own text.
Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in Missouri
Section 429.010 covers any person who performs work or labor upon land, rents or uses machinery or equipment, or furnishes material, fixtures, an engine, boiler, or machinery for a building, erection, or improvement upon land. 1
Every original contractor must provide to the person with whom the contract is made, or to the owner if there is no contract, a written notice before receiving payment, given at the time the contract is executed, when the materials are delivered, when the work is commenced, or delivered with the first invoice. 2
Any person seeking to obtain the benefit of sections 429.010 to 429.
Every person except the original contractor must give ten days' notice before the filing of the lien. 3
All actions under sections 429.010 to 429.340 must be commenced within six months after filing the lien. 4
The provisions of section 429.013 apply only to the repair or remodeling of, or addition to, owner-occupied residential property of four units or less. 5
Sources
Section 429.010 covers any person who performs work or labor upon land, rents or uses machinery or equipment, or furnishes material, fixtures, an engine, boiler, or machinery for a building, erection, or improvement upon land.
Every original contractor must provide to the person with whom the contract is made, or to the owner if there is no contract, a written notice before receiving payment, given at the time the contract is executed, when the materials are delivered, when the work is commenced, or delivered with the first invoice.
Every person except the original contractor must give ten days' notice before the filing of the lien.
All actions under sections 429.010 to 429.340 must be commenced within six months after filing the lien.
The provisions of section 429.013 apply only to the repair or remodeling of, or addition to, owner-occupied residential property of four units or less.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Missouri?
- A person seeking the benefit of the lien statutes must file the just and true account within six months after the indebtedness shall have accrued. For equipment or machinery rented to others, the account must instead be filed within sixty days after the date the last of the rental equipment or machinery was last removed from the property.
- How long do I have to enforce a Missouri mechanics lien?
- All actions under sections 429.010 to 429.340 must be commenced within six months after filing the lien.
- Does anyone have to give notice before filing?
- Every person except the original contractor must give ten days' notice before the filing of the lien, and every original contractor must give the owner a written notice before receiving payment.
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.