What Is a Mechanics Lien in Oregon — Complete 2026 Guide
Oregon mechanics lien law requires subcontractors and suppliers to serve a Notice of Right to Lien within 8 business days of first furnishing under ORS 87.021 — one of the shortest notice windows in the country. All claimants have 75 days from last furnishing to file with the County Clerk. After recording, enforcement must begin within 120 days under ORS Chapter 87.
Oregon's 8-Business-Day Notice of Right to Lien
Oregon's most distinctive mechanics lien rule is the Notice of Right to Lien requirement under ORS 87.021. Subcontractors and material suppliers not in direct contract with the property owner must serve this written notice within 8 business days of first furnishing labor, equipment, or materials. If the notice is served late, the claimant loses lien rights for all work furnished before the notice was served — only work done after the notice date is protected. General contractors in direct contract with the owner are exempt from this requirement. Best practice: serve the notice before or on your first day of furnishing.
Oregon 75-Day Filing Deadline from Last Furnishing
All mechanics lien claimants in Oregon — original contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers — have 75 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to file a construction lien claim with the County Clerk of the county where the property is located under ORS 87.035. The 75-day clock starts on the last date labor or materials were actually provided — not the date of invoice, not the date of non-payment, and not the contract end date. Missing this absolute deadline permanently eliminates all lien rights on the project.
Where to File in Oregon — County Clerk, Not County Recorder
Oregon construction liens are filed with the County Clerk of the county where the improved property is located — not the County Recorder. This distinction matters because Oregon separates these offices, and filing at the wrong office does not create a valid recorded lien. Major Oregon filing offices include the Multnomah County Clerk (Portland), Washington County Clerk (Hillsboro), Clackamas County Clerk (Oregon City), Lane County Clerk (Eugene), and Marion County Clerk (Salem).
Oregon 120-Day Enforcement Deadline
After filing a construction lien in Oregon, claimants must commence a foreclosure action in the Circuit Court within 120 days of the date the lien was filed under ORS 87.055. Oregon's 120-day enforcement window is one of the shortest in the country — significantly shorter than states like Florida (1 year), Illinois (2 years), or Ohio (6 years). Oregon contractors must mark the enforcement deadline immediately upon filing and act quickly if payment is not received.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Oregon?
All claimants have 75 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to file a construction lien claim with the County Clerk under ORS 87.035. This deadline applies to original contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers alike.
What is the Notice of Right to Lien in Oregon?
Oregon subcontractors and suppliers must serve a Notice of Right to Lien on the property owner within 8 business days of first furnishing under ORS 87.021. Failure to serve this notice on time causes the claimant to lose lien rights for all work furnished before the notice was served.
Where do I file a mechanics lien in Oregon?
Oregon mechanics liens are filed with the County Clerk (not the County Recorder) of the county where the improved property is located.
How long do I have to enforce an Oregon mechanics lien?
After filing a construction lien in Oregon, claimants must commence a foreclosure action in Circuit Court within 120 days of the filing date under ORS 87.055.