Michigan Mechanics Lien
Deadlines & Filing Rules
Every notice, deadline, and recording requirement for a Michigan construction lien, drawn from MCL 570.1109, 570.1111, 570.1117, 570.1118 and the same rule engine that calculates deadlines for our filing customers.
Michigan lien rules at a glance
- Preliminary notice
- Required for subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, and suppliers
- Lien filing deadline
- within 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials
- Notarization
- Required
- The lien claim must be sworn to under oath
- Where to record
- Register of deeds for the county
- 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 Michigan
Lien rights depend on where you sit in the contracting chain. Tenant-ordered improvements can support a lien in Michigan.
| Claimant | Lien rights in Michigan |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Michigan mechanics lien deadlines
Required for subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, and suppliers. Preliminary notices go to the property owner and the general contractor by certified mail.
Preliminary notice deadline
The notice that preserves lien rights before any payment problem exists.
| Who | Project type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| All claimants | All projects | Within 20 days after first furnishing labor or materials |
Mechanics lien filing deadline
The last day the lien can be recorded against the property.
| Who | Project type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| All claimants | All projects | Within 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials |
Michigan does not require a notice of intent before recording a lien, but sending one is often what gets the invoice paid.
Recording and enforcing a Michigan lien
Recording the lien
Record with the register of deeds for the county. 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 15 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
Michigan exposes claimants who file an exaggerated or baseless lien to damages. MCL 570.1118: willfully exaggerating lien amount can create liability for damages/attorney fees; lien may be forfeited to extent of excess.
Practitioner notes for Michigan
Notice of Furnishing: subs/suppliers must provide within 20 days of first furnishing to preserve full lien amount (MCL 570.1109(1)); late notice limits lien to unpaid amounts owed after notice is received (MCL 570.1109(4)). Lien recording: record claim of lien within 90 days after last furnishing (MCL 570.1111(1)). Serve copy of recorded claim of lien on owner within 15 days after recording (MCL 570.1111(4)). Enforcement: foreclose within 1 year after recording (MCL 570.1117(1)). Excessive lien liability: damages/fees for willful exaggeration; court may reduce/forfeit excess (MCL 570.1118).
Statutory sources: MCL 570.1109, 570.1111, 570.1117, 570.1118. Read the Michigan lien statute.
File your Michigan mechanics lien
We calculate the Michigan 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.
Michigan mechanics lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Michigan?
Do I need to send a preliminary notice in Michigan?
Does a Michigan mechanics lien need to be notarized?
Where is a mechanics lien filed in Michigan?
How long is a Michigan mechanics lien valid?
Can a subcontractor file a mechanics lien in Michigan?
More Michigan lien tools
This page summarizes Michigan 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.