Michigan Mechanics Lien Statutes: Deadlines, Venues & Citations
Where Michigan liens are filed and enforced
A Michigan mechanics lien is filed with the County Register of Deeds in the county where the project sits — 90 days 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 Michigan claimants lose rights far more often by missing the second one than the first.
Michigan deadlines by claimant role
For subcontractors and suppliers: Preliminary notice — 20 days from first furnishing (MCL § 570.1108); Record the lien — 90 days from last furnishing (MCL § 570.1111); file suit — 1 years from lien recorded (MCL § 570.1117); bond notice — 90 days from last furnishing (MCL § 129.201); file suit — 1 years from last furnishing (MCL § 129.208); miller act notice — 90 days from last furnishing (40 U.S.C. § 3133(b)(2)). For general contractors: Record the lien — 90 days from last furnishing (MCL § 570.1111). For design professionals: Record the lien — 90 days from last furnishing (MCL § 570.1103). Every window runs from the claimant's own dates, not the unpaid invoice date.
Rules specific to Michigan
REQUIRED: Serve 'Notice of Furnishing' on owner and GC within 20 days of first furnishing. Late service only covers work done after notice is served. File claim of lien within 90 days of last furnishing of labor or materials. File claim of lien within 90 days. Must have served Notice of Furnishing first. File suit to enforce lien within 1 year of recording. Lien expires after 1 year without enforcement. Written notice within 90 days of last furnishing on public works projects. No mechanic's lien on public property in Michigan. 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.
How Michigan notices must be served
Michigan requires 20 days — Notice of Furnishing. Accepted delivery for the notices tracked here: Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. Service runs to the Owner and GC. Keep the proof of service in the project file — Michigan disputes over whether a notice was properly served are decided on that documentation.
Public projects in Michigan
No lien attaches to public property in Michigan. On public state local and public federal work the remedy is a payment bond claim instead — bond notice within 90 days of last furnishing, served on the Prime Contractor and Surety (MCL § 129.201). 4 public-project deadlines are tracked for Michigan.
Michigan statute citations
The Michigan deadlines above come from MCL § 570.1108, MCL § 570.1111, MCL § 570.1117, MCL § 129.201, MCL § 129.208, 40 U.S.C. § 3133(b)(2), 40 U.S.C. § 3133(b)(1), MCL § 570.1118, MCL § 570.1115, MCL § 570.1103, MCL § 570.151 et seq.. Statutes are amended periodically — verify current text before relying on any date, and consult a licensed Michigan construction attorney on a specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in Michigan?
90 days — From last date of furnishing. The filing goes to the County Register of Deeds in the project's county. See MCL § 570.1111. The clock runs from the claimant's own last furnishing or completion, not the invoice date.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in Michigan?
With the County Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Recording in the wrong county does not perfect the lien.
Does Michigan require a preliminary notice?
Yes — 20 days. Notice of Furnishing. Accepted service includes Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested.
How long do you have to enforce a Michigan 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 Michigan?
Retainage released within 30 days of substantial completion. 10% maximum retainage on private projects. (MCL § 570.1115).