Montana Mechanics Lien — Deadlines and Filing Guide
Montana mechanics lien law under Mont. Code Ann. §§ 71-3-521 through 71-3-561 gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers lien rights for unpaid construction work. The deadline to file a Montana mechanics lien is 90 days from last furnishing. No preliminary notice is required. Post-recording service on the owner is required within 10 days of filing. Enforcement must begin within 2 years of recording.
Montana Mechanics Lien Deadlines
Montana mechanics lien deadlines give all claimants 90 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to file a lien with the County Clerk and Recorder in the county where the property is located under Mont. Code Ann. § 71-3-535. Montana does not require a preliminary notice before filing. However, within 10 days of recording the lien, the claimant must serve a copy on the property owner. The enforcement deadline is 2 years from the date of recording.
How to File a Mechanics Lien in Montana
Montana mechanics liens are filed with the County Clerk and Recorder in the county where the project property is located. Montana has 56 counties. Major Montana construction markets include Yellowstone County (Billings), Cascade County (Great Falls), Missoula County (Missoula), Lewis and Clark County (Helena), and Gallatin County (Bozeman). Use the Mechanics Lien Management State System to calculate your exact Montana filing deadline.
Montana Mechanics Lien Enforcement
Montana mechanics liens must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 2 years of the lien recording date under Mont. Code Ann. § 71-3-537. The 10-day post-recording service requirement is mandatory — failure to serve the owner within 10 days can invalidate the lien. Use Mechanics Lien Management to track both the 90-day filing deadline and the 10-day service requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in Montana?
In Montana, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is 90 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials under Mont. Code Ann. § 71-3-535.
Does Montana require a preliminary notice?
No. Montana does not require a preliminary notice before filing. However, within 10 days of recording the lien, the claimant must serve a copy on the property owner.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in Montana?
Montana mechanics liens are filed with the County Clerk and Recorder in the county where the property is located. Montana has 56 counties.
How long does a Montana mechanics lien last?
After recording, a Montana mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 2 years of the recording date under Mont. Code Ann. § 71-3-537.