Mechanics Lien Deadlines in Ohio
Ohio's mechanics lien law in Revised Code Chapter 1311 sets who may claim a lien, the notice steps, the filing periods that run from the last labor or materials, and the time to enforce the lien.
In Ohio, mechanics liens are governed by Revised Code Chapter 1311. The statute defines who is entitled to a lien, requires certain preliminary notices, sets the deadline to file the lien affidavit with the county recorder measured from the last labor or materials, and fixes the period during which a filed lien continues in force. The applicable filing period depends on the type of improvement.
Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in Ohio
Under Ohio law, a subcontractor, laborer, or material supplier who performs labor or work or furnishes material toward an improvement has a lien to secure payment. 1
A subcontractor or material supplier who wishes to preserve lien rights must serve a notice of furnishing, generally within twenty-one days after first performing labor or work or furnishing materials following the recording of the notice of commencement. 2
To claim a lien, the claimant makes and files for record an affidavit with the county recorder in the counties where the improved property is located, showing the amount due over and above all legal setoffs. 3
For a lien not connected to a covered residential dwelling or an oil or gas well, the affidavit must be filed within seventy-five days from the date the last labor or work was performed or material was furnished by the person claiming the lien. 4
When the lien arises in connection with a one- or two-family dwelling, the affidavit must be filed within sixty days from the date the last labor or work was performed or material was furnished by the person claiming the lien. 5
A filed lien continues in force for six years after the affidavit is filed with the county recorder under section 1311.
If a lienholder is served with a notice to commence suit and fails to sue upon the lien within sixty days after service is completed, the lien is void. 6
Sources
Under Ohio Rev. Code 1311.02, a person who as a subcontractor, laborer, or material supplier performs labor or work or furnishes material toward completing an improvement has a lien to secure payment.
Under Ohio Rev. Code 1311.05, a subcontractor or material supplier who wishes to preserve lien rights must serve a notice of furnishing, generally within twenty-one days after first performing labor or work or furnishing materials following the recorded notice of commencement.
Under Ohio Rev. Code 1311.06(A), a lien claimant makes and files for record an affidavit with the county recorder in the counties where the improved property is located, showing the amount due over and above all legal setoffs.
Under Ohio Rev. Code 1311.06(B)(3), for a lien not otherwise described, the affidavit must be filed within seventy-five days from the date the last labor or work was performed or material was furnished by the person claiming the lien.
Under Ohio Rev. Code 1311.06(B)(1), when the lien arises in connection with a one- or two-family dwelling, the affidavit must be filed within sixty days from the date the last labor or work was performed or material was furnished by the person claiming the lien.
Under Ohio Rev. Code 1311.11(B), if a lienholder served with a notice to commence suit fails to sue upon the lien within sixty days after completion of service, the lien is void.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to file a mechanics lien affidavit in Ohio?
- The period depends on the improvement. For a one- or two-family dwelling the affidavit is filed within sixty days from the last labor or materials, and for improvements not otherwise described it is within seventy-five days from the last labor or materials, all measured for the person claiming the lien.
- Do one- and two-family dwellings have a different deadline?
- Yes. Section 1311.06 sets a sixty-day filing period for a lien arising in connection with a one- or two-family dwelling or a residential condominium unit, while liens not so described have a seventy-five-day period.
- Is a notice of furnishing required?
- A subcontractor or material supplier who wants to preserve lien rights generally must serve a notice of furnishing within twenty-one days after first performing labor or work or furnishing materials, following the recording of the notice of commencement, subject to the exceptions in section 1311.05.
- How long does a filed Ohio mechanics lien last?
- A lien continues in force for six years after the affidavit is filed with the county recorder under section 1311.06. If an action to enforce the lien is brought within that time, the lien continues until final adjudication.
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.