Kentucky Mechanics Lien
Deadlines & Filing Rules
Every notice, deadline, and recording requirement for a Kentucky construction lien, drawn from KRS §§ 376.010, 376.080, 376.090, 376.220 and the same rule engine that calculates deadlines for our filing customers.
Kentucky lien rules at a glance
- Preliminary notice
- Not required to preserve lien rights
- Lien filing deadline
- within 6 months after last furnishing labor or materials
- Notarization
- Required
- The lien claim must be sworn to under oath
- Where to record
- County recorder where the property sits
- E-recording
- Not generally available; plan on paper recording
- Enforcement deadline
- Within 1 year after the lien is recorded
Who can file a mechanics lien in Kentucky
Lien rights depend on where you sit in the contracting chain. Tenant-ordered work can reach the owner's interest in Kentucky only where the owner consented to or required the improvements. Owner-occupied residential projects carry extra notice requirements in Kentucky; missing them can cost the lien entirely.
| Claimant | Lien rights in Kentucky |
|---|---|
| General contractor (direct contract with the owner) | Yes |
| Subcontractor (hired by the general contractor) | Yes |
| Sub-subcontractor (hired by a subcontractor) | Yes |
| Material supplier to the owner | Yes |
| Material supplier to the general contractor | Yes |
| Material supplier to a subcontractor | Yes |
Kentucky mechanics lien deadlines
Not required to preserve lien rights. Kentucky requires a notice of intent to lien before the lien itself is recorded, served at least 120 days ahead of filing.
Notice of intent to lien
The final warning before a lien is recorded.
| Who | Project type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| All claimants | All projects | At least 120 days before filing the lien |
Mechanics lien filing deadline
The last day the lien can be recorded against the property.
| Who | Project type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| All claimants | All projects | Within 6 months after last furnishing labor or materials |
Recording and enforcing a Kentucky lien
Recording the lien
Record with the county recorder where the property sits. Electronic recording is not generally available, so build mailing time into the deadline. The lien must be notarized. The lien claim must be sworn to under oath.
After recording
A copy of the recorded lien must be served on the property owner within 7 days of recording. To keep the lien alive it must be enforced by lawsuit within 1 year after the lien is recorded.
Wrongful lien exposure
Kentucky exposes claimants who file an exaggerated or baseless lien to damages. KRS §376.220(3): damages + reasonable court costs and attorney fees for filing in excess of amount actually due.
Practitioner notes for Kentucky
Pre-lien notice for non-direct claimants: notice of intent within 75 days (<$1,000) or 120 days (>$1,000) after last furnishing (KRS 376.010(4)); owner-occupied 1–2 family/ag/personal: notice within 75 days after last furnishing (KRS 376.010(5)) in lieu of (4). Tenant work: lessee not owner's agent unless owner designates in writing (KRS 376.010(1)(b)). Lien statement: file within 6 months after ceasing to labor/furnish; subscribed and sworn (KRS 376.080(1)). Mail copy to owner within 7 days of filing or lien dissolved (KRS 376.080(1)). Enforce within 12 months after filing (KRS 376.090(1)).
Statutory sources: KRS §§ 376.010, 376.080, 376.090, 376.220. Read the Kentucky lien statute.
File your Kentucky mechanics lien
We calculate the Kentucky deadlines from your project dates, prepare the lien on the correct form, and handle recording. Self-serve from $99, or full service with recording and notices handled for you from $299.
Kentucky mechanics lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Kentucky?
Do I need to send a preliminary notice in Kentucky?
Does a Kentucky mechanics lien need to be notarized?
Where is a mechanics lien filed in Kentucky?
How long is a Kentucky mechanics lien valid?
Is a notice of intent to lien required in Kentucky?
Can a subcontractor file a mechanics lien in Kentucky?
More Kentucky lien tools
This page summarizes Kentucky lien law for general information and is not legal advice. Deadlines depend on your role, project type, and dates; confirm them against the statute or with counsel before relying on them.