Skip to content
State files updated Oct 27, 2026
Look up a contractor
MenuClose

Home / Lien law / Arizona

Arizona mechanics lienPreliminary 20-day notice and deadlines

The preliminary 20-day notice is due 20 days after you first furnished labor or materials1. The lien deadline is 120 days after completion of the building or improvement2; the deadline to sue is 6 months after recording3.

Your Arizona lien deadlines

Enter your dates. Calendar days unless a line says otherwise.

    Deadlines that fall on a weekend or holiday may move; the statute linked on each line controls.

    Arizona lien timeline

    1. First day of work
    2. 20 daysafter first workPreliminary 20-day notice1
    3. your workany lengthJob completed
    4. 120 daysafter completionRecord the notice and claim of lien2
    5. 6 monthsafter recordingSue to enforce3
    Calendar days unless noted. The first rule listed for each step; the calculator applies the others.

    How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in Arizona?

    Record a sworn notice and claim of lien with the county recorder within 120 days after completion of the building or improvement, or within 60 days after the owner records a notice of completion; serve the owner a copy within a reasonable time. Completion is the earlier of 30 days after final inspection and written acceptance by the permitting body, or 60 consecutive days of no labor; with no permit, it is the last date labor or materials were furnished. The preliminary notice and proof of mailing must be attached.2 A.R.S. 33-993(A), (C), (D)

    When is the Arizona preliminary 20-day notice due?

    Everyone except wage laborers must serve a written preliminary 20-day notice on the owner or reputed owner, the original contractor, the construction lender (if any) and the party they contracted with, within 20 days after first furnishing labor or materials; it is a prerequisite to a valid lien. Mailing by first class with certificate of mailing, registered or certified mail is complete on deposit. A late notice protects only work furnished in the 20 days before service and after. Owner must answer a written information request within 10 days.1 A.R.S. 33-992.01(B), (C), (E), (F), (J); 33-981(D)

    How long is a mechanics lien good for in Arizona?

    The lien lapses six months after recording unless suit to enforce is filed in that period and a notice of pendency of action is recorded. The court may award the winning party attorney fees.3 A.R.S. 33-998(A), (B)

    Who can file a mechanics lien in Arizona?

    Anyone who labors or furnishes professional services, materials, machinery, fixtures or tools for construction, alteration or repair of a building or structure, whether hired by the owner or the owner's agent. A person who must hold a contractor license but does not has no lien rights; professional-service lienors need a valid registration.4 A.R.S. 33-981(A)-(C), (E)

    Does an Arizona lien claim have to be notarized?

    The notice and claim of lien must be made under oath by the claimant or someone with knowledge of the facts.2 A.R.S. 33-993(A)

    What about public jobs in Arizona?

    Public works use payment bonds, not liens. A claimant unpaid 90 days after last labor or materials may sue on the bond; anyone without a direct contract with the prime contractor must give the contractor a 20-day preliminary notice and a written 90-day notice (by a method giving third-party delivery proof) within 90 days after last labor or materials. Suit must be filed within one year after last labor or materials.5 A.R.S. 34-222, 34-223(A), (B)

    How do you file a mechanics lien in Arizona?

    1. Preliminary 20-day notice: due 20 days after you first furnished labor or materials. A.R.S. 33-992.01(B), (C), (E), (F), (J); 33-981(D) A late notice protects only work furnished in the 20 days before it is served.
    2. Record the notice and claim of lien: due 120 days after completion of the building or improvement, or 60 days after the owner records a notice of completion, whichever comes first. A.R.S. 33-993(A), (C), (D)
    3. Sue to enforce: due 6 months after recording. A.R.S. 33-998(A), (B)

    Each line restates the statute cited next to it. Check the statute text before you file.

    Sources

    1. A.R.S. 33-992.01(B), (C), (E), (F), (J); 33-981(D) (azleg.gov, 2026-10-27)
    2. A.R.S. 33-993(A), (C), (D) (azleg.gov, 2026-10-27)
    3. A.R.S. 33-998(A), (B) (azleg.gov, 2026-10-27)
    4. A.R.S. 33-981(A)-(C), (E) (azleg.gov, 2026-10-27)
    5. A.R.S. 34-222, 34-223(A), (B) (azleg.gov, 2026-10-27)