Wisconsin Mechanics Lien — Deadlines and Filing Guide
Wisconsin mechanics lien law under Wis. Stat. §§ 779.01 through 779.16 gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers lien rights for unpaid construction work. The deadline to file a Wisconsin mechanics lien is 6 months from last furnishing. Subcontractors on residential projects must serve an Owner's Notice within 60 days of first furnishing. Liens are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Enforcement must begin within 2 years of filing.
Wisconsin Mechanics Lien Deadlines
Wisconsin mechanics lien deadlines give all claimants 6 months from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to file a lien with the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where the property is located under Wis. Stat. § 779.06. Wisconsin subcontractors on residential projects must serve an Owner's Notice on the property owner within 60 days of first furnishing to preserve lien rights. The enforcement deadline is 2 years from the date the lien is filed.
Wisconsin Owner's Notice Requirement
Wisconsin subcontractors performing work on residential construction projects must serve an Owner's Notice on the property owner within 60 days of first furnishing labor or materials under Wis. Stat. § 779.02. This notice informs the owner that unpaid subcontractors may have lien rights. Failure to serve the Owner's Notice on a residential project can eliminate a subcontractor's mechanics lien rights. Commercial projects do not require this notice.
Wisconsin Mechanics Lien Enforcement
Wisconsin mechanics liens must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 2 years of the lien filing date under Wis. Stat. § 779.10. Wisconsin's 2-year enforcement window gives claimants substantial time to resolve payment disputes before litigation. Track both the 6-month filing deadline and the 2-year enforcement deadline — and the 60-day Owner's Notice deadline for residential projects — using Mechanics Lien Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is 6 months from the last date of furnishing labor or materials under Wis. Stat. § 779.06.
What is the Owner's Notice requirement in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin subcontractors on residential projects must serve an Owner's Notice on the property owner within 60 days of first furnishing. Failure to serve this notice eliminates lien rights on residential projects.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin mechanics liens are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where the property is located. Wisconsin has 72 counties.
How long does a Wisconsin mechanics lien last?
After filing, a Wisconsin mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 2 years of the filing date under Wis. Stat. § 779.10.