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Louisiana mechanics lienDeadlines and how to file

The Louisiana lien rules below each cite the statute they come from.

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

File a written statement of claim or privilege in the parish mortgage records. The deadline is 60 days after a notice of termination of the work is filed, or 60 days after substantial completion or abandonment if none was filed. If a notice of contract was filed, subcontractors and suppliers have 30 days after the notice of termination or 6 months after completion, and the general contractor has 60 days after the notice of termination or 7 months after completion.1 La. R.S. 9:4822

Do you need a preliminary notice in Louisiana?

A general contractor must file a written notice of its contract with the owner in the mortgage records before starting work; on a contract over $100,000 it loses its lien rights if the notice is not filed on time. A subcontractor, supplier or laborer with a residential job where no notice of contract was filed should send the owner a notice of nonpayment at least 10 days before filing its claim, which gives it 70 days to file instead of 60.2 La. R.S. 9:4811 and 9:4822(D)

How long is a mechanics lien good for in Louisiana?

The claim and lien are extinguished unless you sue the owner to enforce them within one year after you file the statement of claim or privilege. A claim against the contractor or its surety can still be enforced if you sue within one year after the time to file the statement ended.3 La. R.S. 9:4823

Who can file a mechanics lien in Louisiana?

Contractors, laborers and employees of the owner, material sellers, equipment lessors and professional consultants have a lien for what the owner owes them. Subcontractors, laborers, sellers, lessors and consultants of a contractor or subcontractor have a claim against the owner and the contractor, secured by a lien on the property.4 La. R.S. 9:4801 and 9:4802

Does a Louisiana lien claim have to be notarized?

The statement of claim or privilege must be in writing and signed by the person asserting it or their representative; the statute does not require notarization.1 La. R.S. 9:4822(H)

Public jobs: read the Louisiana lien statute.

Sources

  1. La. R.S. 9:4822 (legis.la.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. La. R.S. 9:4811 and 9:4822(D) (legis.la.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. La. R.S. 9:4823 (legis.la.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. La. R.S. 9:4801 and 9:4802 (legis.la.gov, 2026-10-27)