Massachusetts Mechanics Lien — Deadlines and Filing Guide
Massachusetts mechanics lien law under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 254 §§ 1 through 33 gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers lien rights for unpaid construction work. The deadline to file a Massachusetts mechanics lien is 90 days from last furnishing. Subcontractors must file a Notice of Contract with the Registry of Deeds. The enforcement deadline is just 90 days from filing — one of the shortest enforcement windows in the country.
Massachusetts Mechanics Lien Deadlines
Massachusetts mechanics lien deadlines under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 254 give all claimants 90 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to record a Statement of Account with the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Subcontractors must also file a Notice of Contract with the Registry of Deeds. The enforcement deadline is only 90 days from the filing date — making Massachusetts one of the most time-sensitive states for lien enforcement.
Massachusetts Notice of Contract Requirement
Massachusetts subcontractors must record a Notice of Contract with the Registry of Deeds to preserve lien rights. This notice must be recorded before or within a limited time after the commencement of work. The Notice of Contract must reference the prime contract and provide the property owner with notice that subcontractors are working on the project. Failure to record the Notice of Contract prevents subcontractors from filing a valid lien under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 254.
Massachusetts Mechanics Lien Enforcement
Massachusetts mechanics liens must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 90 days of the lien filing date under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 254 § 11. This 90-day enforcement window is one of the shortest in the United States. After filing the lien, claimants have a very limited window to negotiate payment or initiate foreclosure proceedings. Use Mechanics Lien Management to track both the filing and enforcement deadlines from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the deadline to file a mechanics lien Statement of Account is 90 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 254.
What is the Notice of Contract requirement in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts subcontractors must record a Notice of Contract with the Registry of Deeds to preserve their mechanics lien rights. This is a condition precedent to filing a lien for subcontractors.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts mechanics liens are filed with the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located.
How long does a Massachusetts mechanics lien last?
After filing, a Massachusetts mechanics lien must be enforced within just 90 days of the filing date — one of the shortest enforcement windows in the country.