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Notice of Intent to Lien

Get Paid Before You File

Send a formal intent to lien notice before filing a mechanics lien. We prepare and deliver state-compliant notices that often trigger payment without ever needing to file a construction lien.

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Lien Process

What Is a Notice of Intent to Lien?

A notice of intent to lien (NOI) is a formal document sent to the property owner, general contractor, and sometimes the lender before you actually file a mechanics lien. It states that you haven't been paid, specifies the amount owed, and warns that you will file a construction lien if payment isn't received by a certain date.

In some states, sending a notice of intent to lien is legally required before you can file a mechanics lien. But even when it's optional, sending one is a smart strategy—many contractors and property owners pay up as soon as they receive it, avoiding the need to file a lien altogether. Our guide to the notice of intent to lien lists the states that require one and the lead time each sets.

Key Benefits

  • ✓ Often gets you paid without filing a lien
  • ✓ Shows seriousness and protects your rights
  • ✓ Required in some states before mechanics lien filing
  • ✓ Professional, state-compliant format

Why Send a Notice of Intent to Lien?

A well-crafted intent to lien notice is often the last step before payment—or before filing a mechanics lien.

Often Gets You Paid

Many property owners and general contractors pay immediately upon receiving an intent to lien. It signals you're serious and will file a construction lien if they don't pay—avoiding the hassle and cost of a lien for everyone.

Required in Some States

Several states require a notice of intent to lien before you can file a mechanics lien. Sending one ensures compliance and protects your right to file a construction lien if payment still doesn't come.

Shows Seriousness

A formal intent to lien notice elevates your payment request. It demonstrates you understand construction lien law and are prepared to take the next step. Many payers respond quickly to avoid a lien on their property.

How It Works

Send your notice of intent to lien in three simple steps

1

Provide project and amount owed

Enter the property address, parties involved, work performed, and the unpaid balance. We'll use this to draft your intent to lien notice.

2

We prepare your notice

Our team creates a state-compliant notice of intent to lien with the correct format, deadlines, and required recipient information.

3

We deliver it for you

We send your intent to lien notice to the property owner, general contractor, and any other required parties with proof of delivery.

Simple, Flat-Rate Pricing

Notice of Intent to Lien Pricing

One flat price, state fees included.* No hourly billing, no surprises.

Self-Serve

$49 one-time

We generate your state-compliant notice of intent to lien — you review, sign, and send it yourself.

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Full-Service

$99 one-time

We prepare your notice of intent and deliver it to the owner, general contractor, and every other required party — with proof of delivery.

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* All prices include standard state fees. Unusually high state or county fees, counties that require documents to be physically served, and similar requirements may incur additional charges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a notice of intent to lien required before filing a mechanics lien?
It depends on the state. Some states require a notice of intent to lien before you can file a mechanics lien; others don't. Our service checks your state's requirements and prepares the correct notice if needed. Even when not required, sending one is often effective at triggering payment.
How long do I have to wait after sending an intent to lien before filing?
States that require a notice of intent to lien typically mandate a waiting period—often 10 to 30 days—after sending it before you can file a mechanics lien. This gives the payer time to respond. Our notices include the appropriate deadline based on your state's laws.
Who should receive a notice of intent to lien?
Typically the property owner and the party who hired you (general contractor or subcontractor) must receive the notice. Some states also require service on the construction lender. We identify the correct recipients for your state and ensure proper delivery.
Can I send an intent to lien if I'm a subcontractor?
Yes. Subcontractors, material suppliers, and other lower-tier parties can and often must send notices of intent to lien. If you've sent a proper preliminary notice and still aren't paid, an intent to lien is typically the next step before filing a mechanics lien on the property.
Does an intent to lien create a lien on the property?
No. A notice of intent to lien is a warning, not a lien. It doesn't create a lien on the property or get recorded in public records. Only when you file a mechanics lien with the county recorder does a lien attach to the property. The intent notice is the step before—it often results in payment so you never need to file.

Notice of intent to lien by state

Whether the state requires one, the lead time, the statute, and a free blank form where we have one.

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Lien rules by state

Ready to Send Your Intent to Lien?

Get paid faster. Send a notice of intent to lien in any state—often the last step before payment or mechanics lien filing.

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Mechanics lien rules in every state