Available in all 50 states

File a Preliminary Notice
Preserve Your Lien Rights

Protect your right to file a mechanics lien. Our service helps contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers send state-compliant preliminary notices to preserve construction lien rights in every state.

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Lien Rights

What Is a Preliminary Notice?

A preliminary notice (sometimes called a pre-lien notice, 20-day notice, or notice to owner) is a document sent early in a construction project to notify the property owner and general contractor that you're providing labor, materials, or services. It's the critical first step to preserve your right to file a mechanics lien if you're not paid.

In many states, sending a preliminary notice is required before you can later file a construction lien. Missing the deadline or sending an incomplete notice can invalidate your lien rights entirely—even if you've done the work. Our service ensures your preliminary lien notice is correct and timely.

Why Send One Early?

✓ Establishes your lien rights from day one
✓ Required in most states before filing a mechanics lien
✓ Often improves cash flow by putting everyone on notice
✓ Protects subcontractors and material suppliers

Why a Preliminary Notice Matters

Preserving your lien rights isn't optional—it's essential for protecting your construction payments.

Preserves Lien Rights

Without a proper preliminary notice, you lose your right to file a mechanics lien—no matter how much you're owed. Send early to stay protected.

Required in Many States

Most states mandate preliminary notices with strict deadlines—often 20, 30, or 60 days from first furnishing. Miss the window and your lien rights are gone.

Subcontractor Protection

Subcontractors and suppliers are especially vulnerable. A preliminary notice puts you on the payment chain and protects your ability to lien the property.

Who Needs to Send a Preliminary Notice?

If you furnish labor or materials to a construction project and don't have a direct contract with the owner, you likely need one.

Subcontractors

Required in most states to preserve lien rights when working under a GC.

Material Suppliers

Suppliers who furnish materials to projects must typically send preliminary notices.

Equipment Rental

Companies renting equipment to construction projects may need to send notices.

How It Works

File your preliminary lien notice in three simple steps

Enter project details

Provide the property address, owner, general contractor, and your work description. We'll confirm your state's requirements.

We prepare the notice

Our team creates your state-compliant preliminary notice with the correct form, language, and deadlines for your jurisdiction.

We send it for you

We deliver your preliminary notice to all required parties—property owner, general contractor, and lender if applicable—with proof of service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't send a preliminary notice?

In states that require preliminary notices, failing to send one—or sending it late—typically means you lose your right to file a mechanics lien. You can't recover payment through a construction lien if you've waived your lien rights by missing the preliminary notice deadline.

When do I need to send a preliminary notice?

Deadlines vary by state. Common timeframes include within 20 days of first furnishing (e.g., California, Arizona), 60 days, or before the project is completed. Some states don't require preliminary notices at all. Our service checks your state and ensures you meet the correct deadline.

Do general contractors need to send preliminary notices?

Often no—general contractors usually have a direct contract with the property owner, so they may not need a preliminary notice. But state rules differ. Subcontractors, suppliers, and lower-tier parties almost always need one. Check your state's mechanics lien laws for specifics.

Is a preliminary notice the same as a mechanics lien?

No. A preliminary notice is an informational document that preserves your right to later file a mechanics lien. It doesn't create a lien on the property. A mechanics lien is filed with the county recorder and creates a security interest on the property. You send the preliminary notice first; you file the lien only if you're not paid.

Does every state require preliminary notices?

No. Some states don't require preliminary notices (e.g., Texas for many parties, some other states). Others require them only for certain parties like subcontractors. Our service automatically determines your state's rules and whether you need to send one, then prepares the correct document.

Protect Your Lien Rights Today

File a preliminary notice in any state. Preserve your right to file a mechanics lien and get paid for your construction work.