Ohio Mechanics Lien
Deadlines & Filing Rules
Every notice, deadline, and recording requirement for a Ohio construction lien, drawn from Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1311.05, 1311.06, 1311.13, 1311.04 and the same rule engine that calculates deadlines for our filing customers.
Ohio lien rules at a glance
- Preliminary notice
- Required for subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, and suppliers
- Lien filing deadline
- within 60 days after last furnishing labor or materials (varies by project type)
- 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 6 years after the lien is recorded
Who can file a mechanics lien in Ohio
Lien rights depend on where you sit in the contracting chain. Tenant-ordered work can reach the owner's interest in Ohio only where the owner consented to or required the improvements.
| Claimant | Lien rights in Ohio |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Ohio mechanics lien deadlines
Required for subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, and suppliers. Preliminary notices go to the property owner, the general contractor, and the construction lender 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 21 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 | Residential projects | Within 60 days after last furnishing labor or materials |
| All claimants | Commercial projects | Within 75 days after last furnishing labor or materials |
Ohio 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 Ohio 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
Ohio does not require a separate notice after the lien is recorded, though most claimants send one anyway to prompt payment. To keep the lien alive it must be enforced by lawsuit within 6 years after the lien is recorded.
Wrongful lien exposure
Ohio has no dedicated wrongful-lien penalty statute, but an inflated or baseless lien can still be challenged and removed at the claimant's expense.
Practitioner notes for Ohio
Notice of Furnishing: for claimants without direct contract, when a Notice of Commencement is filed, serve Notice of Furnishing not later than 21 days after first furnishing; late notice limits lien to work/materials furnished within 21 days before service and thereafter (Ohio Rev. Code §1311.05). Lien filing (private): affidavit for mechanic’s lien generally within 75 days after last furnishing; for work on a one- or two-family dwelling, within 60 days after last furnishing (Ohio Rev. Code §1311.06(B)). Lien duration/enforcement: lien continues for 6 years from filing unless enforced/otherwise discharged (Ohio Rev. Code §1311.13). Tenant improvements: liens generally attach only if owner is deemed to have consented/authorized; treat as owner_consent_required in this sheet (see generally §1311.04).
Statutory sources: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1311.05, 1311.06, 1311.13, 1311.04. Read the Ohio lien statute.
File your Ohio mechanics lien
We calculate the Ohio 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.
Ohio mechanics lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Ohio?
Do I need to send a preliminary notice in Ohio?
Does a Ohio mechanics lien need to be notarized?
Where is a mechanics lien filed in Ohio?
How long is a Ohio mechanics lien valid?
Can a subcontractor file a mechanics lien in Ohio?
More Ohio lien tools
This page summarizes Ohio 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.