How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in New Jersey?
The lien claim form is lodged for record in the county within 90 days after the last work, services, material or equipment was provided. On a residential construction contract it is lodged within 120 days after the last work and no later than 10 days after the claimant receives the arbitrator's determination. Warranty or service calls after the contract ends do not extend the date.1 N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-6
Do you need a preliminary notice in New Jersey?
Section 6 sets no preliminary notice before filing on non-residential jobs. On residential jobs, a claimant must first lodge a Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien with the county within 60 days after the last work or materials and serve it, then within 10 days serve a demand for arbitration unless the parties agreed to another dispute process.1 N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-21 and 2A:44A-20
How long is a mechanics lien good for in New Jersey?
The claimant forfeits the lien unless a suit to enforce it is started in Superior Court in the county where the property sits within one year after the last work, or within 30 days after receiving a written demand from the owner, community association, contractor or subcontractor to sue.1 N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-14
Does a New Jersey lien claim have to be notarized?
The lien claim form must be signed, acknowledged and verified by oath of the claimant, setting out the specific work or materials provided and the claimant's relationship to the owner and other known parties.1 N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-6
Who can file and public jobs: read the New Jersey lien statute.
Sources
- N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-6 (lis.njleg.state.nj.us, 2026-10-27)