How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in Kentucky?
File a sworn statement of the amount due, with a description of the property, the owner's name and whether you worked for the owner or a contractor, with the county clerk of the county where the property sits within six months after you stop work or supplying materials. Mail a copy to the owner by regular mail within 7 days of filing, or the lien is dissolved.1 KRS 376.080
Do you need a preliminary notice in Kentucky?
If you did not contract directly with the owner, you must give the owner written notice of your intent to claim a lien and the amount, within 75 days after you last furnished labor or materials on claims under $1,000, or within 120 days on claims over $1,000. On an owner-occupied one- or two-family home (or its related agricultural or personal-use improvements), the notice must go out within 75 days of the last item furnished, whatever the amount, and the lien does not reach what the owner already paid the contractor before receiving it. Mailing the notice to the owner's last known address is enough proof.2 KRS 376.010(4), (5)
How long is a mechanics lien good for in Kentucky?
Sue to enforce the lien within 12 months of the day you filed the statement with the county clerk, or the lien is dissolved. If the debtor dies before that time runs out, you get six more months from the date a personal representative qualifies.3 KRS 376.090
Who can file a mechanics lien in Kentucky?
Anyone who performs labor or furnishes materials to improve real property under a contract with, or the written consent of, the owner, a lessee, a contractor, a subcontractor, an architect or an authorized agent. The lien cannot exceed the original contractor's contract price. A lessee is not treated as the owner's agent unless the owner designated the lessee in writing.2 KRS 376.010(1)
Does a Kentucky lien claim have to be notarized?
The lien statement must be subscribed and sworn to by the person claiming the lien or someone on that person's behalf.1 KRS 376.080(1)
What about public jobs in Kentucky?
On a local public agency construction contract over $100,000, the contractor must furnish a performance bond and a payment bond, each for 100 percent of the contract price. On public improvements owned by the state or a city or county, you cannot lien the property; instead you get a lien on funds still owed the contractor, by filing an affidavit statement with the county clerk within 60 days after the last day of the month you furnished labor or materials (or by the date of substantial completion, whichever is later), and you must sue within six months of filing.4 KRS 45A.435(1); KRS 376.210; KRS 376.230; KRS 376.260
Sources
- KRS 376.080 (apps.legislature.ky.gov, 2026-10-27)
- KRS 376.010(4), (5) (apps.legislature.ky.gov, 2026-10-27)
- KRS 376.090 (apps.legislature.ky.gov, 2026-10-27)
- KRS 45A.435(1); KRS 376.210; KRS 376.230; KRS 376.260 (apps.legislature.ky.gov, 2026-10-27)