Kentucky Mechanics Lien Statutes: Deadlines, Venues & Citations
Where Kentucky liens are filed and enforced
A Kentucky mechanics lien is filed with the County Clerk in the county where the project sits — 6 months from last date of furnishing. Filing in the wrong county does not perfect the claim, which matters on projects that straddle county lines. Those are two different clocks against two different offices, and Kentucky claimants lose rights far more often by missing the second one than the first.
Kentucky deadlines by claimant role
For general contractors: Record the lien — 6 months from last furnishing (KRS § 376.010). For subcontractors and suppliers: Record the lien — 6 months from last furnishing (KRS § 376.010); file suit — 1 years from lien recorded (KRS § 376.120); bond notice — 6 months from last furnishing (KRS § 45A.595); file suit — 1 years from last furnishing (KRS § 45A.595); miller act notice — 90 days from last furnishing (40 U.S.C. § 3133(b)(2)); file suit miller act — 1 years from last furnishing (40 U.S.C. § 3133(b)(1)). Every window runs from the claimant's own dates, not the unpaid invoice date.
Rules specific to Kentucky
Prime must file statement of lien within 6 months of last furnishing of labor or materials. No preliminary notice required. File statement of lien within 6 months of last furnishing. Serve copy on owner within 30 days of filing. File suit to enforce lien within 1 year of recording. Written notice within 6 months of last furnishing on public works projects. No lien on public property in KY. File suit on payment bond within 1 year of last furnishing. Second-tier claimants only. No notice = no bond claim. File no sooner than 90 days AND no later than 1 year. Owner must pay within 30 days of invoice. Prime must pay sub within 30 days of receiving payment. Interest at 12%/year on late amounts.
How Kentucky notices must be served
Kentucky requires 75-120 days — Intent to file notice. Accepted delivery for the notices tracked here: Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. Service runs to the Prime Contractor and Surety. Keep the proof of service in the project file — Kentucky disputes over whether a notice was properly served are decided on that documentation.
Public projects in Kentucky
No lien attaches to public property in Kentucky. On public state local and public federal work the remedy is a payment bond claim instead — bond notice within 6 months of last furnishing, served on the Prime Contractor and Surety (KRS § 45A.595). 4 public-project deadlines are tracked for Kentucky.
Kentucky statute citations
The Kentucky deadlines above come from KRS § 376.010, KRS § 376.120, KRS § 45A.595, 40 U.S.C. § 3133(b)(2), 40 U.S.C. § 3133(b)(1), KRS § 371.405, KRS § 371.410. Statutes are amended periodically — verify current text before relying on any date, and consult a licensed Kentucky construction attorney on a specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in Kentucky?
6 months — From last date of furnishing. The filing goes to the County Clerk in the project's county. See KRS § 376.010. The clock runs from the claimant's own last furnishing or completion, not the invoice date.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in Kentucky?
With the County Clerk in the county where the property is located. Recording in the wrong county does not perfect the lien.
Does Kentucky require a preliminary notice?
Yes — 75-120 days. Intent to file notice. Accepted service includes Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested.
How long do you have to enforce a Kentucky mechanics lien?
1 year — From filing. A recorded lien left unenforced past that window generally expires and can expose the claimant to slander-of-title risk if it stays on record.
When must retainage be released in Kentucky?
Retainage released within 30 days of substantial completion. 10% maximum retainage. (KRS § 371.410).