Utah Mechanics Lien — Deadlines and Filing Guide
Utah mechanics lien law under Utah Code §§ 38-1a-101 through 38-1a-802 gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers lien rights for unpaid construction work. The deadline to file a Utah mechanics lien is 180 days from last furnishing. Subcontractors and suppliers must file a Preliminary Notice online with the Utah Construction Registry (UCR) within 20 days of first furnishing. Liens are filed with the County Recorder.
Utah Mechanics Lien Deadlines
Utah mechanics lien deadlines give all claimants 180 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to file a lien with the County Recorder in the county where the property is located under Utah Code § 38-1a-501. Utah subcontractors and suppliers must file a Preliminary Notice with the Utah Construction Registry (UCR) online within 20 days of first furnishing to preserve lien rights. The enforcement deadline is 180 days from the date the lien is filed.
Utah Construction Registry — Online Preliminary Notice
Utah has a unique online preliminary notice system through the Utah Construction Registry (UCR). Subcontractors and suppliers who do not have a direct contract with the property owner must file a Preliminary Notice through the UCR online portal within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials. This electronic filing system is mandatory — paper notices are not accepted. General contractors who have a direct contract with the owner are not required to file a Preliminary Notice.
Utah Mechanics Lien Enforcement
Utah mechanics liens must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 180 days of the lien filing date under Utah Code § 38-1a-701. Utah's 180-day enforcement window is shorter than many states. The Preliminary Notice filing through the UCR within 20 days of first furnishing and the 180-day enforcement deadline are both critical to protect Utah lien rights. Use Mechanics Lien Management to track all three deadlines: UCR notice, lien filing, and enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in Utah?
In Utah, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is 180 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials under Utah Code § 38-1a-501.
What is the Utah Construction Registry (UCR) and when is it required?
The UCR is Utah's online preliminary notice portal. Subcontractors and suppliers must file a Preliminary Notice through the UCR within 20 days of first furnishing to preserve mechanics lien rights. General contractors with a direct contract with the owner are exempt.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in Utah?
Utah mechanics liens are filed with the County Recorder in the county where the property is located. Utah has 29 counties.
How long does a Utah mechanics lien last?
After filing, a Utah mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 180 days of the filing date under Utah Code § 38-1a-701.