New Hampshire Mechanics Lien Statutes: Deadlines, Venues & Citations
Where New Hampshire liens are filed and enforced
A New Hampshire mechanics lien is filed with the Registry of Deeds in the county where the project sits — 120 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 New Hampshire claimants lose rights far more often by missing the second one than the first.
New Hampshire deadlines by claimant role
For general contractors: Record the lien — 120 days from last furnishing (RSA § 447:9). For subcontractors and suppliers: Record the lien — 120 days from last furnishing (RSA § 447:9); file suit — 1 years from lien recorded (RSA § 447:11); bond notice — 90 days from completion and acceptance (RSA 447:17); file suit — 1 years from bond notice filed (RSA 447:18); 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 New Hampshire
File claim of lien within 120 days of last furnishing of labor or materials. No preliminary notice required in New Hampshire. File claim of lien within 120 days of last furnishing. File suit to enforce lien within 1 year of recording. Every claimant, first tier included, files a statement of claim within 90 days after completion and acceptance of the project by the contracting party. No mechanic's lien on public property. Bond of at least 100% required at $75,000 (state) / $125,000 (political subdivision) (RSA 447:16). Verified 2026-11-03. Petition to enforce the claim (or intervene in a pending petition) within 1 year after filing the claim, with a copy to the principal and surety. Verified 2026-11-03. Second-tier claimants only. No notice = no bond claim. File no sooner than 90 days AND no later than 1 year. Public: prime must pay sub within 30 days of receiving payment. Interest on late public payments.
How New Hampshire notices must be served
New Hampshire does not impose a preliminary notice on most claimants (N/A), but the notices it does require are strict on method. Accepted delivery for the notices tracked here: Filed with the office; the office mails copies to principal and surety; Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. Service runs to the Filing office: Secretary of State / DOT / Dept. of Administrative Services (state work) or Superior Court clerk for the county (local work). Keep the proof of service in the project file — New Hampshire disputes over whether a notice was properly served are decided on that documentation.
Public projects in New Hampshire
No lien attaches to public property in New Hampshire. On public state local and public federal work the remedy is a payment bond claim instead — bond notice within 90 days of completion and acceptance, served on the Filing office: Secretary of State / DOT / Dept. of Administrative Services (state work) or Superior Court clerk for the county (local work) (RSA 447:17). 5 public-project deadlines are tracked for New Hampshire.
New Hampshire statute citations
The New Hampshire deadlines above come from RSA § 447:9, RSA § 447:11, RSA 447:17, RSA 447:18, 40 U.S.C. § 3133(b)(2), 40 U.S.C. § 3133(b)(1), RSA § 21-I:11-a, RSA § 447:16. Statutes are amended periodically — verify current text before relying on any date, and consult a licensed New Hampshire construction attorney on a specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in New Hampshire?
120 days — From last date of furnishing. The filing goes to the Registry of Deeds in the project's county. See RSA § 447:9. The clock runs from the claimant's own last furnishing or completion, not the invoice date.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in New Hampshire?
With the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Recording in the wrong county does not perfect the lien.
Does New Hampshire require a preliminary notice?
Not for most claimants (N/A). Sub-tier claimants should still document first furnishing, because New Hampshire's filing and enforcement windows are applied strictly.
How long do you have to enforce a New Hampshire mechanics lien?
1 year — From attachment. 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 New Hampshire?
Retainage released within 45 days of substantial completion. 10% maximum retainage. (RSA § 447:16).