Mechanics Lien Deadlines in New York
New York's Lien Law lets those who furnish labor or materials for a real property improvement file a notice of lien, with the notice generally due within eight months after completion and the lien lasting one year unless a foreclosure action is commenced.
New York mechanics liens are governed by Article 2 of the state Lien Law. The statute identifies who may claim a lien, sets the time within which a notice of lien must be filed and served, states what the notice must contain, fixes how long the lien lasts, and describes how a lien is waived or discharged. The rules below are drawn directly from the Lien Law sections served by the New York State Senate's OpenLegislation service.
Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in New York
Under Lien Law section 3, a contractor, subcontractor, laborer, or materialman who performs labor or furnishes materials for the improvement of real property is among those the statute names. 1
Lien Law section 10 provides that a notice of lien may be filed within eight months after the completion of the contract, or the final performance of the work, or the final furnishing of the materials. 2
Where the improvement relates to real property improved or to be improved with a single family dwelling, section 10 sets a shorter period of four months after the completion of the contract or the final performance of the work. 3
Lien Law section 9 sets out what the notice of lien must contain, including the name and residence of the lienor. 4
Lien Law section 11 requires the lienor to serve a copy of the notice on the owner within five days before or thirty days after filing the notice of lien. 5
Lien Law section 17 provides that a lien lasts no longer than one year after the notice of lien has been filed unless within that time an action is commenced to foreclose the lien. 6
Lien Law section 19 lists discharge of a lien by failure to begin a foreclosure action or secure an order continuing it within one year from the time of filing the notice of lien. 7
Lien Law section 34 declares any agreement waiving the right to file or enforce a lien created under Article 2 void as against public policy and wholly unenforceable. 8
Sources
New York Lien Law section 3 names a contractor, subcontractor, laborer, and materialman among those who perform labor or furnish materials for the improvement of real property.
Under New York Lien Law section 10, a notice of lien may be filed within eight months after the completion of the contract, or the final performance of the work, or the final furnishing of the materials.
Where the improvement relates to real property improved or to be improved with a single family dwelling, New York Lien Law section 10 allows the notice of lien to be filed within four months after the completion of the contract, or the final performance of the work, or the final furnishing of the materials.
New York Lien Law section 9 requires the notice of lien to state, among other things, the name and residence of the lienor.
New York Lien Law section 11 requires the lienor to serve a copy of the notice on the owner within five days before or thirty days after filing the notice of lien.
New York Lien Law section 17 provides that a lien lasts no longer than one year after the notice of lien has been filed unless within that time an action is commenced to foreclose the lien.
New York Lien Law section 19 provides that a lien is discharged by failure to begin an action to foreclose it, or to secure an order continuing it, within one year from the time of filing the notice of lien.
New York Lien Law section 34 makes any contract, agreement, or understanding waiving the right to file or enforce a lien created under Article 2 void as against public policy and wholly unenforceable.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in New York?
- Under Lien Law section 10, a notice of lien may generally be filed within eight months after the completion of the contract, or the final performance of the work, or the final furnishing of the materials. For real property improved or to be improved with a single family dwelling, the period is four months after those same events.
- Who can file a mechanics lien in New York?
- Lien Law section 3 names a contractor, subcontractor, laborer, and materialman, among others, who perform labor or furnish materials for the improvement of real property.
- How long does a New York mechanics lien last?
- Lien Law section 17 provides that a lien lasts no longer than one year after the notice of lien has been filed unless, within that time, an action is commenced to foreclose the lien (or the lien is otherwise extended as the statute allows).
- Does the lienor have to serve the notice of lien?
- Yes. Lien Law section 11 requires the lienor to serve a copy of the notice on the owner within five days before or thirty days after filing the notice of lien.
Last reviewed August 4, 2026
This page is general information about state law, not legal advice. Laws change, and how they apply depends on the facts of your situation.