How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in Rhode Island?
Mail the notice of intention to the owner by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and file a copy in the land evidence records of the city or town, within 200 days after doing the work or furnishing the materials. The lien covers only work done in the 200 days before filing. The town clerk charges an $8 recording fee.1 R.I. Gen. Laws s. 34-28-4, s. 34-28-5 and s. 34-28-9
Do you need a preliminary notice in Rhode Island?
A contractor who hires directly with the owner must give the owner a written Notice of Possible Mechanic's Lien, either in the written contract or by certified mail, before starting work or delivering materials, or the contractor must hold the owner harmless from liens by unpaid subcontractors. Everyone else claiming a lien must mail a sworn notice of intention by certified or registered mail to the owner.2 R.I. Gen. Laws s. 34-28-4.1 and s. 34-28-4
How long is a mechanics lien good for in Rhode Island?
File a complaint to enforce the lien in the superior court, and a notice of lis pendens in the land evidence records on the same day (or within 7 days after the complaint), within 40 days after the notice of intention was recorded. Miss the 40 days and the lien is lost for work before the 200-day period.3 R.I. Gen. Laws s. 34-28-10
Who can file a mechanics lien in Rhode Island?
Anyone who does work or furnishes materials to build, alter or repair a building or other improvement, by oral or written contract with or at the request of the owner, or of a tenant, lessee or owner of less than the full title. Architects and engineers have their own lien.4 R.I. Gen. Laws s. 34-28-1 to 34-28-3 and s. 34-28-7
Does a Rhode Island lien claim have to be notarized?
The notice of intention must be executed under oath.1 R.I. Gen. Laws s. 34-28-4(b)
What about public jobs in Rhode Island?
State road, bridge and public building contracts over $150,000 need a bond of 50% to 100% of the contract price that also pays for labor and materials. Claimants go against the bond.5 R.I. Gen. Laws s. 37-12-1
Sources
- R.I. Gen. Laws s. 34-28-4, s. 34-28-5 and s. 34-28-9 (webserver.rilegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
- R.I. Gen. Laws s. 34-28-4.1 and s. 34-28-4 (webserver.rilegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
- R.I. Gen. Laws s. 34-28-10 (webserver.rilegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
- R.I. Gen. Laws s. 34-28-1 to 34-28-3 and s. 34-28-7 (webserver.rilegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)
- R.I. Gen. Laws s. 37-12-1 (webserver.rilegislature.gov, 2026-10-27)