Construction Lien Deadlines in Washington
Washington's construction lien statute lets those furnishing labor, professional services, materials, or equipment record a claim of lien within ninety days of ceasing to furnish and enforce it within eight calendar months of recording.
Washington's construction lien rights are set out in Chapter 60.04 of the Revised Code of Washington. The chapter identifies who may claim a lien, when written notice to the owner must be given, the deadline to record a claim of lien, and the deadline to bring an action to enforce it. The paragraphs below state each requirement using the statutory language.
Filing and enforcing a construction lien in Washington
Under RCW 60.04.021, any person furnishing labor, professional services, materials, or equipment for the improvement of real property has a lien upon the improvement for the contract price furnished at the instance of the owner or the owner's agent. 1
RCW 60.04.
That notice may be given at any time, but it only protects the right to claim a lien for professional services, materials, or equipment supplied after the date which is sixty days before the notice is given. 2
For new construction of a single-family residence, RCW 60.04.031 provides that the notice only protects the right to claim a lien for items supplied after a date which is ten days before the notice is given. 3
RCW 60.04.091 requires every person claiming a lien to file the notice of claim of lien for recording in the county where the property is located not later than ninety days after the person has ceased to furnish labor, professional services, materials, or equipment. 4
Under RCW 60.04.
RCW 60.04.
Sources
Under RCW 60.04.021, any person furnishing labor, professional services, materials, or equipment for the improvement of real property has a lien upon the improvement for the contract price furnished at the instance of the owner.
Under RCW 60.04.031, the notice of the right to claim a lien only protects the right to claim a lien for professional services, materials, or equipment supplied after the date which is sixty days before the notice is given.
For new construction of a single-family residence, RCW 60.04.031 provides that the notice only protects the right to claim a lien for items supplied after a date which is ten days before the notice is given.
RCW 60.04.091 requires the notice of claim of lien to be filed for recording in the county where the property is located not later than ninety days after the person has ceased to furnish labor, professional services, materials, or equipment.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to record a construction lien in Washington?
- Under RCW 60.04.091, the notice of claim of lien must be filed for recording in the county where the property is located not later than ninety days after the person has ceased to furnish labor, professional services, materials, or equipment.
- How long do I have to enforce a Washington construction lien once it is recorded?
- Under RCW 60.04.141, the lien binds the property for no longer than eight calendar months after the claim of lien has been recorded unless the lien claimant files an action to enforce it within that time in the superior court of the county where the property is located.
- Do I have to give the owner notice before claiming a lien?
- RCW 60.04.031 generally requires a person furnishing professional services, materials, or equipment to give the owner written notice of the right to claim a lien. The notice only protects amounts supplied after the date sixty days before it is given, or ten days before for new construction of a single-family residence. Persons who contract directly with the owner and laborers are among those excepted.
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.