How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in Utah?
Record a notice of construction lien with each county recorder within 180 days after final completion of the original contract, or within 90 days after a notice of completion is filed (but never later than 180 days after final completion). A subcontractor who does substantial work after the certificate of occupancy or final inspection has 180 days after finishing that work. Send a copy to the owner by certified mail or in person within 30 days after recording; if you skip this you lose the right to costs and attorney fees against the owner.1 Utah Code 38-1a-502(1), (4)
Do you need a preliminary notice in Utah?
File a preliminary notice in the State Construction Registry within 20 days after you first provide construction work on the property. A late notice can still be filed, but you cannot claim a lien for work done before the date five days after it is filed. A notice has no effect if filed more than 10 days after a notice of completion. You cannot claim a lien without it.2 Utah Code 38-1a-501
How long is a mechanics lien good for in Utah?
File a lawsuit to enforce the lien within 180 days after the notice of construction lien is filed, and record a notice of pendency of the action in the same period or the lien is void. If you miss the deadline the lien is void automatically. On a residence you must serve the owner with lien-recovery-fund instructions and a form with the complaint.3 Utah Code 38-1a-701(2)-(4), (6)
Who can file a mechanics lien in Utah?
Anyone who provides construction work or preconstruction service on a project has a lien on the owner's interest in the property for the reasonable value of that work. Contractors who are required to be licensed must hold the license.4 Utah Code 38-1a-301(1), (4)
Does a Utah lien claim have to be notarized?
The notice of construction lien must be signed by the claimant or its agent and carry an acknowledgment or certificate as required for recorded documents, so it is notarized before recording. On an owner-occupied residence it must also include the statement of the owner's right to demand release of the lien.1 Utah Code 38-1a-502(2)(g)-(i)
What about public jobs in Utah?
On public construction contracts the contractor must deliver a payment bond for 100% of the contract price to protect everyone supplying labor, equipment or materials. An unpaid supplier or worker can sue on the bond if not paid in full within 90 days after the last day of work or supply, and must start the suit within one year of that last day. The prevailing party recovers attorney fees. The state facilities division can waive the bond.5 Utah Code 63G-6a-1103(1)(b), (4), (5)
Sources
- Utah Code 38-1a-502(1), (4) (le.utah.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Utah Code 38-1a-501 (le.utah.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Utah Code 38-1a-701(2)-(4), (6) (le.utah.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Utah Code 38-1a-301(1), (4) (le.utah.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Utah Code 63G-6a-1103(1)(b), (4), (5) (le.utah.gov, 2026-10-27)