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State files updated Oct 28, 2026
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Nebraska mechanics lienDeadlines and how to file

The lien deadline is 120 days after your last services or materials1; the deadline to sue is 2 years after the lien is recorded2.

Your Nebraska lien deadlines

Enter your dates. Calendar days unless a line says otherwise.

    Deadlines that fall on a weekend or holiday may move; the statute linked on each line controls.

    Nebraska lien timeline

    1. First day of work
    2. your workany lengthLast day of work
    3. 120 daysafter last workRecord the lien1
    4. 2 yearsafter recordingSue to enforce2
    Calendar days unless noted. The first rule listed for each step; the calculator applies the others.

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

    The claimant must record a signed lien no later than 120 days after the last services or materials. The lien names the property, the owner, the claimant, the person the claimant contracted with, the work and contract price, and the unpaid amount.1 Neb. Rev. Stat. 52-137, 52-147

    Do you need a preliminary notice in Nebraska?

    No notice is required to keep lien rights. A claimant may give the owner an optional written notice of the right to assert a lien, which sets out what is unpaid and warns that the owner may face double liability. The notice matters mainly on homes occupied by the owner, where a lien is limited to what the owner still owes the prime contractor when the notice is received.3 Neb. Rev. Stat. 52-135, 52-136

    How long is a mechanics lien good for in Nebraska?

    A recorded lien stays enforceable for two years after recording. If the owner or another interested person gives written demand to start a lawsuit, the lien lapses unless the claimant sues, or records an affidavit that the contract price is not yet due, within 30 days of the demand. A lawsuit started in time keeps the lien alive while it is pending.2 Neb. Rev. Stat. 52-140, 52-155

    What about public jobs in Nebraska?

    Public bodies must take a payment bond for at least the contract price on public building and similar contracts. An unpaid claimant can sue on the bond if still unpaid 90 days after the last labor or materials, and a second-tier claimant must give the contractor written notice within four months.4 Neb. Rev. Stat. 52-118, 52-118.01

    Who can file and notarization: read the Nebraska lien statute.

    How do you file a mechanics lien in Nebraska?

    1. Record the lien: due 120 days after your last services or materials. Neb. Rev. Stat. 52-137, 52-147
    2. Sue to enforce: due 2 years after the lien is recorded. Neb. Rev. Stat. 52-140, 52-155 After an owner's written demand, you have 30 days.

    Each line restates the statute cited next to it. Check the statute text before you file.

    Sources

    1. Neb. Rev. Stat. 52-137, 52-147 (nebraskalegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
    2. Neb. Rev. Stat. 52-140, 52-155 (nebraskalegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
    3. Neb. Rev. Stat. 52-135, 52-136 (nebraskalegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
    4. Neb. Rev. Stat. 52-118, 52-118.01 (nebraskalegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)