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Massachusetts Mechanics Lien Guide and FAQs

Last updated May 23, 2023
If contractors and suppliers don’t get paid on a construction project in Massachusetts, they can file a mechanics lien to secure payment. A mechanics lien is a legal tool that provides the unpaid party with a security interest in the property. These are the rules, requirements, and deadlines you need to follow to file an Massachusetts mechanics lien.

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Massachusetts mechanics lien deadlines for:

Preliminary Notice Deadlines for GCs

General contractors in Massachusetts are not required to send preliminary notice to retain mechanics lien rights.

Mechanics Liens Deadlines for GCs
60/90/120 days

Massachusetts general contractors must file two documents to properly record a mechanics lien. They must record a Notice of Contract the earlier date of (a) 60 days after filing notice of substantial completion, (b) 90 days after filing notice of termination, or (c) 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials to project.

In addition, they must record a Statement of Account the earlier date of (a) 90 days after filing notice of substantial completion, (b) 120 days after filing notice of termination, or (c) 120 days after last furnishing labor or materials to project.

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Lien Enforcement Deadlines
90 days

In Massachusetts, a lien claimant is required to initiate the enforcement of the lien within 90 days of filing the Statement of Account.

Additionally, within 30 days from the commencement of the action, the lien claimant is required to record an attested copy of the Complaint for Enforcement of Lien in the Registry of Deeds.

Preliminary Notice Deadlines for Subcontractors
30 days

Sub-Subs or suppliers to subcontractors must provide a Notice of Identification to the prime contractor within 30 days of commencing work in Massachusetts.

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Mechanics Lien Deadlines for Subcontractors
60/90/120 days

Subcontractors and other sub-tier parties in Massachusetts must record a Notice of Subcontract the earlier date of the earlier date of (a) 60 days after a notice of substantial completion is filed, (b) 90 days after a notice of termination is filed, or (c) 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials to project.

In addition, they must record a Statement of Account the earlier date of (a) 90 days after notice of substantial completion, (b) 120 days after notice of termination, or (c) 120 days after last furnishing labor or materials to project.

File A Lien Fast
Lien Enforcement Deadlines
90 days

In Massachusetts, a lien claimant is required to initiate the enforcement of the lien within 90 days of filing the Statement of Account.

Additionally, within 30 days from the commencement of the action, the lien claimant is required to record an attested copy of the Complaint for Enforcement of Lien in the Registry of Deeds.

Preliminary Notice Deadlines for Suppliers
30 days

Suppliers to subcontractors must provide a Notice of Identification to prime contractor within 30 days of commencing work in Massachusetts.

Send Your Notice
Mechanics Lien Deadlines for Suppliers
60/90/120 days

Material suppliers and other sub-tier parties in Massachusetts must record a Notice of Subcontract the earlier date of:the earlier date of (a) 60 days after a notice of substantial completion is filed, (b) 90 days after a notice of termination is filed, or (c) 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials to project.

In addition, they must record a Statement of Account the earlier date of (a) 90 days after a notice of substantial completion is filed, (b) 120 days after a notice of termination is filed, or (c) 120 days after last furnishing labor or materials to project.

File A Lien Fast
Lien Enforcement Deadlines
90 days

In Massachusetts, a lien claimant is required to initiate the enforcement of the lien within 90 days of filing the Statement of Account.

Additionally, within 30 days from the commencement of the action, the lien claimant is required to record an attested copy of the Complaint for Enforcement of Lien in the Registry of Deeds.