New Jersey Mechanics Lien — Deadlines and Filing Guide
New Jersey mechanics lien law under N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 2A:44A-1 through 2A:44A-38 gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers lien rights for unpaid construction work. The deadline to file a New Jersey mechanics lien is 90 days from last furnishing. No preliminary notice is required, but a Notice of Unpaid Balance (NUB) is required to preserve rights against a construction lender. Enforcement must begin within 1 year of filing.
New Jersey Mechanics Lien Deadlines
New Jersey 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 in the county where the property is located under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:44A-6. New Jersey does not require a preliminary notice to preserve lien rights against the property. However, claimants who want to preserve rights against a construction lender must serve a Notice of Unpaid Balance (NUB). The enforcement deadline is 1 year from the date the lien is filed.
New Jersey Notice of Unpaid Balance (NUB)
To preserve mechanics lien rights against a construction lender — not just the property — New Jersey claimants must serve a Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien (NUB) on the lender. The NUB must be served within 90 days of last furnishing. Without the NUB, the lien may still be valid against the property but will not reach funds disbursed by the construction lender. This is an important protection in New Jersey's active real estate and commercial construction market.
New Jersey Mechanics Lien Enforcement
New Jersey mechanics liens must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 1 year of the lien filing date under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:44A-14. New Jersey's 1-year enforcement window gives claimants reasonable time to resolve payment disputes before litigation. Track both the 90-day filing deadline and the 1-year enforcement deadline using Mechanics Lien Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is 90 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:44A-6.
What is the Notice of Unpaid Balance (NUB) in New Jersey?
The NUB is a notice served on the construction lender within 90 days of last furnishing to preserve mechanics lien rights against the construction lender's disbursed funds. It is separate from the lien filing requirement.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in New Jersey?
New Jersey mechanics liens are filed with the County Clerk in the county where the property is located. New Jersey has 21 counties.
How long does a New Jersey mechanics lien last?
After filing, a New Jersey mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 1 year of the filing date under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:44A-14.