Louisiana Mechanics Lien — Deadlines and Filing Guide
Louisiana mechanics lien law under La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:4801 through 9:4855 gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers lien rights for unpaid construction work. The deadline to file a Louisiana mechanics lien (called a Statement of Claim or Privilege) is 60 days from substantial completion. Louisiana requires a Notice of Contract to be filed before construction begins. Louisiana uses parishes, not counties.
Louisiana Mechanics Lien Deadlines
Louisiana mechanics lien deadlines under La. Rev. Stat. § 9:4822 require all claimants to file a Statement of Claim or Privilege within 60 days from the filing of a Notice of Termination (or substantial completion if no Notice of Termination is filed) with the Parish Recorder. Louisiana requires a Notice of Contract to be filed with the Parish Recorder before construction begins on private projects. The enforcement deadline is 1 year from the date the lien is filed.
Louisiana Parishes — Not Counties
Louisiana is the only U.S. state that uses parishes rather than counties as its primary jurisdictional unit. Louisiana mechanics liens are filed with the Clerk of Court/Parish Recorder in the parish where the project property is located. Louisiana has 64 parishes. Major Louisiana construction markets include Orleans Parish (New Orleans), Jefferson Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish (Baton Rouge), Caddo Parish (Shreveport), and St. Tammany Parish. Use the Mechanics Lien Management State System to identify the correct parish.
Louisiana Notice of Contract Requirement
Louisiana requires that a Notice of Contract be filed with the Parish Recorder before construction begins on private projects. This is a unique requirement compared to most other states. Filing the Notice of Contract limits lien exposure to the contract amount and provides important protections to the property owner. Failure to file the Notice of Contract can affect lien rights and priorities for all parties on the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the deadline to file a Statement of Claim or Privilege is 60 days from the filing of a Notice of Termination or from substantial completion of the project under La. Rev. Stat. § 9:4822.
What is the Notice of Contract requirement in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires a Notice of Contract to be filed with the Parish Recorder before construction begins on private projects. This filing affects lien rights and priorities for all parties on the project.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in Louisiana?
Louisiana mechanics liens are filed with the Clerk of Court/Parish Recorder in the parish where the property is located. Louisiana uses parishes, not counties, as its jurisdictional units.
How long does a Louisiana mechanics lien last?
After filing, a Louisiana mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 1 year of the filing date.