How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in Maryland?
File a petition to establish the lien, with a supporting affidavit and copies of the key papers, in the circuit court for the county where the land is, within 180 days after the work was finished or the materials were furnished. The court then orders the owner to show cause within 15 days of service.1 Md. Code, Real Prop. 9-105, 9-106
Do you need a preliminary notice in Maryland?
A subcontractor must give the owner written notice of intent to claim a lien within 120 days after doing the work or furnishing the materials, by certified mail or personal delivery (or posting on the building if the owner cannot be found). On a single-family home the owner is liable only if they have not yet paid the contractor in full when the notice arrives. A contractor who deals directly with the owner needs no notice.2 Md. Code, Real Prop. 9-104
How long is a mechanics lien good for in Maryland?
The right to enforce the lien ends one year after the petition to establish it was first filed. The claimant must file a petition to enforce in the lien case within that year.3 Md. Code, Real Prop. 9-109
Who can file a mechanics lien in Maryland?
Anyone who did work or furnished materials for a building, including wells, pools, fencing, landscaping, paving, design and engineering services and equipment leasing. The building must be new or repaired or improved to at least 15 percent of its value. A lien cannot be established against a building sold to a bona fide purchaser for value before the lien is established.4 Md. Code, Real Prop. 9-102
Does a Maryland lien claim have to be notarized?
The petition must be accompanied by an affidavit from the petitioner or someone on their behalf setting out the facts that support the lien claim and its amount.1 Md. Code, Real Prop. 9-105(a)(2)
What about public jobs in Maryland?
Before awarding a State construction contract above the small procurement amount, the public body requires payment security of at least 50 percent of the contract amount. A supplier unpaid in full 90 days after last supplying labor or materials may sue on it; a supplier with no contract with the prime contractor must give written notice by certified mail within 90 days.5 Md. Code, State Fin. & Proc. 17-103, 17-108
Sources
- Md. Code, Real Prop. 9-105, 9-106 (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Md. Code, Real Prop. 9-104 (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Md. Code, Real Prop. 9-109 (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Md. Code, Real Prop. 9-102 (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Md. Code, State Fin. & Proc. 17-103, 17-108 (mgaleg.maryland.gov, 2026-10-27)