Mechanics Lien Deadlines in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's construction lien law lets those who improve land claim a lien, requires notice to the owner before filing, sets a filing deadline that runs from the last work or materials, and sets a separate deadline to bring the enforcement action after the claim is filed.
Wisconsin governs construction liens under subchapter I of chapter 779 of the Wisconsin Statutes. The statute defines who may claim a lien, the notices a claimant must serve on the owner, the period within which a claim for lien must be filed with the clerk of circuit court, and the period within which an action to enforce the lien must be commenced. The deadlines below quote the statute directly so a claimant can see the exact number, unit, and triggering event for each step.
Filing and enforcing a mechanics lien in Wisconsin
Any person who performs, furnishes, or procures work, labor, service, materials, plans, or specifications used or consumed for the improvement of land, and who complies with s. 779.02, has a lien on all interests in the land belonging to its owners. 1
A lien claimant other than a prime contractor has the lien and remedy under the subchapter only if, within 60 days after performing, furnishing, or procuring the first labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications, the person serves a written notice in 2 signed copies on the owner or authorized agent at the last-known post-office address. 2
When no written contract for the work of improvement is entered into, a prime contractor must serve the required notice on the owner or authorized agent within 10 days after the first labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications are performed, furnished, or procured for the improvement. 3
No lien exists and no action to enforce a lien may be maintained unless, within 6 months from the date the lien claimant performed, furnished, or procured the last labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications, a claim for the lien is filed in the office of the clerk of circuit court of the county in which the lands affected by the lien lie. 4
An action to enforce the lien must be brought, with summons and complaint filed, within 2 years from the date of filing a claim for lien. 5
A lien claimant must serve a copy of the claim for lien on the owner of the property on which the lien is placed within 30 days after filing the claim. 6
A lien claim may not be filed and no action may be brought on it unless, at least 30 days before timely filing of the lien claim, the lien claimant serves on the owner a written notice of intent to file a lien claim. 7
Sources
In Wisconsin, any person who performs, furnishes, or procures work, labor, service, materials, plans, or specifications used or consumed for the improvement of land, and who complies with s. 779.02, has a lien on all interests in the land belonging to its owners.
A lien claimant other than a prime contractor has the lien and remedy under the subchapter only if, within 60 days after performing, furnishing, or procuring the first labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications, the person serves a written notice in 2 signed copies on the owner or authorized agent at the last-known post-office address.
If no written contract for the work of improvement is entered into, the prime contractor's notice must be served on the owner or authorized agent within 10 days after the first labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications are performed, furnished, or procured for the improvement.
No lien exists and no action to enforce a lien may be maintained unless, within 6 months from the date the lien claimant performed, furnished, or procured the last labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications, a claim for the lien is filed in the office of the clerk of circuit court of the county in which the lands affected by the lien lie.
An action to enforce a Wisconsin construction lien must be brought, and summons and complaint filed, within 2 years from the date of filing a claim for lien.
A lien claimant must serve a copy of the claim for lien on the owner of the property on which the lien is placed within 30 days after filing the claim.
No lien claim may be filed and no action brought on it unless, at least 30 days before timely filing of the lien claim, the lien claimant serves on the owner a written notice of intent to file a lien claim.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to file a construction lien claim in Wisconsin?
- A claim for lien must be filed with the clerk of circuit court within 6 months from the date the lien claimant performed, furnished, or procured the last labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications.
- How long do I have to enforce a Wisconsin construction lien after filing?
- An action to enforce the lien must be brought, with summons and complaint filed, within 2 years from the date of filing the claim for lien.
- What notice must a subcontractor give the owner?
- A claimant other than a prime contractor must serve a written notice in 2 signed copies on the owner or authorized agent within 60 days after first performing, furnishing, or procuring labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications. Separately, at least 30 days before timely filing, any claimant must serve the owner a written notice of intent to file a lien claim.
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.