What Is a Mechanics Lien in Tennessee — Complete 2026 Guide
Tennessee mechanics lien law gives all claimants 90 days from last furnishing to file with the Register of Deeds. Subcontractors must serve a Notice of Nonpayment on the owner and prime contractor within 90 days of last furnishing under TCA § 66-11-101. Enforcement must begin within 1 year.
Tennessee 90-Day Filing Deadline
Tennessee gives all mechanics lien claimants 90 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to file a mechanics lien with the Register of Deeds in the county where the project is located under TCA § 66-11-112. This 90-day deadline applies to general contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers alike. Missing this hard deadline permanently eliminates Tennessee mechanics lien rights.
Tennessee Notice of Nonpayment
Tennessee subcontractors and suppliers must serve a Notice of Nonpayment on both the prime contractor and the property owner within 90 days of their last date of furnishing. This notice is a condition precedent to filing a mechanics lien for all parties not in direct contract with the property owner. Failure to serve the Notice of Nonpayment within 90 days permanently eliminates the right to file a lien for those parties.
Where to File in Tennessee
Tennessee mechanics liens are filed with the Register of Deeds in the county where the project property is located. Major filing offices include the Davidson County Register of Deeds (Nashville), Shelby County (Memphis), Knox County (Knoxville), and Hamilton County (Chattanooga).
Tennessee Lien Enforcement — 1 Year
After filing a mechanics lien in Tennessee, the claimant must enforce the lien by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within 1 year of the date the lien was filed. The claimant must also give the owner notice of the enforcement lawsuit within 30 days of filing. Failure to enforce within 1 year permanently extinguishes the Tennessee mechanics lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mechanics lien deadline in Tennessee?
Tennessee gives all claimants 90 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to file a mechanics lien with the Register of Deeds.
What is the Notice of Nonpayment requirement in Tennessee?
Tennessee subcontractors and suppliers must serve a Notice of Nonpayment on both the prime contractor and the property owner within 90 days of last furnishing. Missing this notice permanently eliminates lien rights for those parties.
Where do I file a mechanics lien in Tennessee?
File with the Register of Deeds in the county where the project property is located.
How long does a Tennessee mechanics lien last?
A Tennessee mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within 1 year of the filing date or it permanently expires.