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State files updated Oct 27, 2026
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New York mechanics lienDeadlines and how to file

The lien deadline is 8 months after completion or your last work (4 months on a single-family dwelling)1; the deadline to sue is 1 year after the notice of lien is filed2.

Your New York 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.

    New York lien timeline

    1. First day of work
    2. your workany lengthLast day of work
    3. 8 monthsafter last workFile the notice of lien1
    4. 1 yearafter recordingSue to foreclose2
    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 New York?

    File a verified notice of lien with the county clerk during the work or within 8 months after completion of the contract or last work/materials; 4 months if the property is a single-family dwelling; retainage claims within 90 days after retainage was due to be released. Within 5 days before or 30 days after filing, serve a copy on the owner (personal delivery, leaving at residence, certified or registered mail, or posting) and file proof of service within 35 days or the notice ends as a lien.1 N.Y. Lien Law 10(1) (filing); 11 (service)

    Do you need a preliminary notice in New York?

    No pre-lien or preliminary notice to the owner is required before filing a private-project mechanic's lien; the lien attaches on filing the notice of lien.3 N.Y. Lien Law 3, 9-11

    How long is a mechanics lien good for in New York?

    A lien lasts one year from filing unless an action to foreclose is started and a notice of pendency is filed in that year. Outside single-family dwellings it can be continued by filing an extension within the year (one more year); single-family liens can be continued only by court order, up to one year each, for two successive years.2 N.Y. Lien Law 17

    Who can file a mechanics lien in New York?

    Contractors, subcontractors, laborers, materialmen, landscape gardeners and nurserymen who perform labor or furnish materials for improving real property with the owner's consent or at the request of the owner, agent, contractor or subcontractor, plus trust funds owed benefits and wage supplements.3 N.Y. Lien Law 3

    Does a New York lien claim have to be notarized?

    The notice of lien must be verified by the lienor or its agent that its statements are true to knowledge, except matters stated on information and belief.4 N.Y. Lien Law 9

    What about public jobs in New York?

    Public improvements: a payment bond is required (may be waived under contract size limits). Anyone unpaid 90 days after last labor or materials may sue on the bond; a party with no direct contract with the prime contractor must give written notice within 120 days after last labor or materials. Suit must be started within one year after completion and acceptance of the improvement.5 N.Y. State Finance Law 137(1), (3), (4)(b)

    How do you file a mechanics lien in New York?

    1. File the notice of lien: due 8 months after completion or your last work (4 months on a single-family dwelling). N.Y. Lien Law 10(1) (filing); 11 (service)
    2. Sue to foreclose: due 1 year after the notice of lien is filed. N.Y. Lien Law 17

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

    Sources

    1. N.Y. Lien Law 10(1) (filing); 11 (service) (nysenate.gov, 2026-10-27)
    2. N.Y. Lien Law 17 (nysenate.gov, 2026-10-27)
    3. N.Y. Lien Law 3, 9-11 (nysenate.gov, 2026-10-27)
    4. N.Y. Lien Law 9 (nysenate.gov, 2026-10-27)
    5. N.Y. State Finance Law 137(1), (3), (4)(b) (nysenate.gov, 2026-10-27)