How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in Maine?
File a sworn statement of the amount due, with all credits, a property description and the owners' names, with the register of deeds in the county within 90 days after you stop work or deliveries, and mail the owner a copy by ordinary mail. If you worked under a contract directly with the owner, the 90-day filing rule does not apply.1 10 M.R.S. s. 3253
Do you need a preliminary notice in Maine?
There is no separate preliminary notice to the owner. If you worked under your own contract with the owner, no notice is needed. If you did not, you must mail the owner a copy of your sworn statement when you file it. An owner who did not hire you can stop a lien on future work by giving written notice that the owner will not be responsible for it.1 10 M.R.S. s. 3252 and s. 3253
How long is a mechanics lien good for in Maine?
File a lawsuit in Superior or District Court within 120 days after the last labor, materials or services. If you did not contract with the owner, the owner cannot be served until 30 days after filing. You can also attach the property in an action begun within 180 days. Record a notice of the lien complaint at the registry of deeds within 60 days after filing suit.2 10 M.R.S. s. 3255, s. 3261 and s. 3262
Who can file a mechanics lien in Maine?
A person who performs labor or furnishes labor or materials, or surveying, architecture, forestry or engineering services, or equipment, for erecting, altering, moving or repairing a house, building or wharf, by contract with or with the consent of the owner.3 10 M.R.S. s. 3251
Does a Maine lien claim have to be notarized?
The statement of the amount due must be subscribed and sworn to by the person claiming the lien or someone on the claimant's behalf.1 10 M.R.S. s. 3253(1)(A)
What about public jobs in Maine?
Before a public contract over $125,000 is awarded, the contractor must furnish a performance bond and a payment bond for the full contract amount to protect those who supply labor or materials.4 14 M.R.S. s. 871(3)
Sources
- 10 M.R.S. s. 3253 (legislature.maine.gov, 2026-10-27)
- 10 M.R.S. s. 3255, s. 3261 and s. 3262 (legislature.maine.gov, 2026-10-27)
- 10 M.R.S. s. 3251 (legislature.maine.gov, 2026-10-27)
- 14 M.R.S. s. 871(3) (legislature.maine.gov, 2026-10-27)