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Arizona Mechanics Lien Guide & FAQs

Last updated July 24, 2024
If contractors and suppliers don’t get paid on a construction project in Arizona, they can file a lien to secure payment. A mechanics lien is a legal tool that provides the unpaid party with a security interest in the property. This page breaks down the rules, requirements, and deadlines you need to follow to file an Arizona mechanics lien.

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Arizona lien deadlines for:

Preliminary notice requirements
20 Days

In Arizona, general contractors and others who contract directly with the property owner must deliver a 20-day Preliminary Notice to the owner and construction lender (if any) within 20 days of first providing labor, services or materials. If sent late, the notice is only effective from 20 days before the notice was sent.

Send Your Notice

Mechanics lien deadline
120 Days
In Arizona, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is 120 days from the completion of the project as a whole.


However, if a notice of completion was filed, the deadline is shortened to 60 days from the date such notice was filed.

Enforcement deadline
6 Months

In Arizona, a lien is effective for 6 months from the date of filing. Within that timeframe, the claimant must initiate an action to enforce a mechanics lien. Within 5 days of filing suit, a lis pendens notice must be filed.

This deadline can not be extended. If the 6-month period passes without an action being filed, the lien expires and becomes unenforceable.

Preliminary notice requirements
20 Days

In Arizona, subcontractors, suppliers, and most other sub-tier parties must deliver a 20-day Preliminary Notice to the owner, prime contractor, construction lender, and the party with whom you have contracted within 20 days of providing labor, services or materials. Late notice is effective beginning 20 days prior to the date on which it was sent.

Send Your Notice

Mechanics lien deadline
120 Days
In Arizona, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is 120 days from the completion of the project as a whole.

However, if a notice of completion was filed, the deadline is shortened to 60 days from the date such notice was filed.
Enforcement deadline
6 Months
In Arizona, a lien is effective for 6 months from the date of filing. Within that timeframe, the claimant must initiate an action to enforce a mechanics lien. Within 5 days of filing suit, a lis pendens notice must be filed.

This deadline can not be extended. If the 6-month period passes without an action being filed, the lien expires and becomes unenforceable.
Preliminary notice requirements
Not required

In Arizona, a person performing construction labor for wages (like an employee of a subcontractor) is not required to provide preliminary notice.

Mechanics lien deadline
120 Days

In Arizona, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is 120 days from the completion of the project as a whole.

However, if a notice of completion was filed, the deadline is shortened to 60 days from the date such notice was filed.

Enforcement deadline
6 Months

In Arizona, a lien is effective for 6 months from the date of filing. Within that timeframe, the claimant must initiate an action to enforce a mechanics lien. Within 5 days of filing suit, a lis pendens notice must be filed.


This deadline can not be extended. If the 6-month period passes without an action being filed, the lien expires and becomes unenforceable.