How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in Massachusetts?
Record a notice of contract at the registry of deeds, then record a statement of the amount due, with a property description and the owner names, within 120 days after the last day you worked or furnished materials. The deadline is shorter if a notice of substantial completion was recorded (90 days after it) or a notice of termination was recorded (120 days after it). The notice of contract itself must be recorded no later than 90 days after your last work, or 60 days after a notice of substantial completion.1 M.G.L. c. 254, s. 2, s. 4 and s. 8
Do you need a preliminary notice in Massachusetts?
There is no separate preliminary notice to the owner. A subcontractor or supplier who has no direct contract with the general contractor must send a written notice of identification by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the general contractor within 30 days after starting work, or the lien is capped at the amount still due under the subcontract that covers the claimant's work. Every lien claimant other than a laborer first records a notice of contract with the registry of deeds, which can be done any time after the contract is signed.2 M.G.L. c. 254, s. 2 and s. 4
How long is a mechanics lien good for in Massachusetts?
The lien is dissolved unless a civil action to enforce it is started within 90 days after the statement of amount due is recorded. A copy of the complaint must also be recorded at the registry of deeds within 30 days after the suit starts.3 M.G.L. c. 254, s. 11 and s. 5
Who can file a mechanics lien in Massachusetts?
A person who has a written contract with the owner, or with a contractor or subcontractor, for labor, materials, rental equipment, tools, construction management or professional services on a building or other improvement to real property. A person doing personal labor can claim a lien for up to 30 days of work in the prior 90 days.4 M.G.L. c. 254, s. 1, s. 2 and s. 4
Does a Massachusetts lien claim have to be notarized?
The sections on the notice of contract and the statement of amount due do not call for an oath or a notary acknowledgment; they set out the information to include and where to record it.1 M.G.L. c. 254, s. 2, s. 4 and s. 8
What about public jobs in Massachusetts?
On public building and public works contracts of more than $25,000, the contractor must post a payment bond for at least half of the contract price. A person who is not paid within 65 days after the due date can enforce the claim by a petition filed within one year after last furnishing labor or materials.5 M.G.L. c. 149, s. 29
Sources
- M.G.L. c. 254, s. 2, s. 4 and s. 8 (malegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
- M.G.L. c. 254, s. 2 and s. 4 (malegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
- M.G.L. c. 254, s. 11 and s. 5 (malegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
- M.G.L. c. 254, s. 1, s. 2 and s. 4 (malegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
- M.G.L. c. 149, s. 29 (malegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)