Mississippi Mechanics Lien — Deadlines and Filing Guide
Mississippi mechanics lien law under Miss. Code Ann. §§ 85-7-131 through 85-7-181 gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers lien rights for unpaid construction work. The deadline to file a Mississippi mechanics lien is 12 months from last furnishing — one of the longest filing windows in the United States. No preliminary notice is required. Enforcement must begin within 12 months of filing.
Mississippi Mechanics Lien Deadlines
Mississippi mechanics lien deadlines give all claimants 12 months from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to file a lien with the Circuit Clerk in the county where the property is located under Miss. Code Ann. § 85-7-141. Mississippi's 12-month filing window is one of the most generous in the United States. Mississippi does not require a preliminary notice before filing. The enforcement deadline is 12 months from the date the lien is filed.
How to File a Mechanics Lien in Mississippi
Mississippi mechanics liens are filed with the Circuit Clerk in the county where the project property is located. Mississippi has 82 counties. Major Mississippi construction markets include Hinds County (Jackson), Harrison County (Biloxi/Gulfport), DeSoto County (Southaven), Rankin County (Brandon), and Forrest County (Hattiesburg). Use the Mechanics Lien Management State System to calculate your exact Mississippi filing deadline.
Mississippi Mechanics Lien Enforcement
Mississippi mechanics liens must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 12 months of the lien filing date under Miss. Code Ann. § 85-7-161. Track the enforcement deadline from the lien filing date — not from the last date of furnishing. Use Mechanics Lien Management to monitor both the 12-month filing window and the 12-month enforcement window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is 12 months from the last date of furnishing labor or materials under Miss. Code Ann. § 85-7-141 — one of the longest filing windows in the country.
Does Mississippi require a preliminary notice?
No. Mississippi does not require a preliminary notice before filing a mechanics lien.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in Mississippi?
Mississippi mechanics liens are filed with the Circuit Clerk in the county where the property is located. Mississippi has 82 counties.
How long does a Mississippi mechanics lien last?
After filing, a Mississippi mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 12 months of the filing date under Miss. Code Ann. § 85-7-161.