Pennsylvania Notice of Intent to Lien

Pennsylvania requires every subcontractor to give the owner formal written notice of its intention to file a lien claim at least 30 days before filing. Without it the claim is invalid (49 P.S. § 1501(b.1)).

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Does Pennsylvania require a notice of intent to lien?

Required for some claimants or projects. Pennsylvania requires every subcontractor to give the owner formal written notice of its intention to file a lien claim at least 30 days before filing. Without it the claim is invalid (49 P.S. § 1501(b.1)).

Notice of intent: Required for some claimants or projects; 49 P.S. § 1501(b.1)
When to send it: At least 30 days before the claim is filed (subcontractors)
Lien deadline: Within 6 months after completion of the project
Where the lien is filed: Circuit court clerk for the county
Free blank form: Yes, PDF; Formal Notice of Intention to File Mechanics' Lien Claim

Who sends it, to whom, and how

Who sends it: Every subcontractor, on new construction and on alterations and repairs. A contractor who dealt directly with the owner does not have to send one.
Who receives it: The owner or the owner's agent.
How to send it: First-class, registered or certified mail. Or have an adult serve it the way a writ of summons is served. If neither works, post it on a conspicuous public part of the property (49 P.S. § 1501(d)).

What a Pennsylvania notice of intent says

Pennsylvania law requires the notice to state the following (49 P.S. § 1501(c)).

The claimant's name
The person it contracted with
The amount due
The general nature of the labor or materials
The date the work was completed
A description of the property

Download a blank Pennsylvania notice of intent to lien

The Formal Notice of Intention to File Mechanics' Lien Claim our service prepares, with every field left blank. PDF, free, no sign-up. Fill in your own facts and check them against the rules on this page before you send it.

The Pennsylvania lien deadline it protects

The Pennsylvania lien deadline is within 6 months after completion of the project. The lien is filed with the circuit court clerk for the county. Time the notice so you can still file the lien by that deadline.

See every Pennsylvania lien deadline and filing rule

More Pennsylvania rules to know

The claim is due within six months after completion, so send this notice within five months.
It is not needed when the claim is filed in answer to a rule to file (49 P.S. § 1506).

Source: 49 P.S. § 1501(b.1). Read the Pennsylvania lien statute. Notice rules turn on facts specific to your project. Confirm with counsel before relying on them.

Send your Pennsylvania notice of intent

We prepare the notice from your project details. Self-serve from $49: you review, sign and send it. Full service from $99: we send it to every party with proof of delivery.

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Pennsylvania notice of intent FAQ

Is a notice of intent to lien required in Pennsylvania?

When do I send a Pennsylvania notice of intent to lien?

At least 30 days before the claim is filed (subcontractors). The Pennsylvania lien deadline is within 6 months after completion of the project.

Who gets the notice, and how is it sent?

The owner or the owner's agent. First-class, registered or certified mail. Or have an adult serve it the way a writ of summons is served. If neither works, post it on a conspicuous public part of the property (49 P.S. § 1501(d)).

What does a Pennsylvania notice of intent to lien say?

Pennsylvania law requires it to state: the claimant's name; the person it contracted with; the amount due; the general nature of the labor or materials; the date the work was completed; a description of the property. Source: 49 P.S. § 1501(c).

Is there a free Pennsylvania notice of intent to lien form?

Yes. Download the blank Formal Notice of Intention to File Mechanics' Lien Claim on this page. It is the same notice our service prepares, with every field left blank. Or we prepare and send it for you from $49.

More Pennsylvania lien tools

Bordering states

This page summarizes Pennsylvania law for general information and is not legal advice. Notice and release rules depend on your role, project type and dates. Confirm them against the statute or with counsel before relying on them.