Levelset visitors can also get a free Procore account.

New York Mechanics Lien Guide and FAQs

Last updated May 26, 2023
If contractors and suppliers don’t get paid on a construction project in New York, 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. This page breaks down the rules, requirements, and deadlines you need to follow to file a New York mechanics lien.

Quicklinks

“Levelset takes something that is pretty complex and makes it easy.”

Ready to file a lien in New York?

File A Lien Now

New York lien law deadlines for:

Preliminary notice deadlines
None
Send Your Notice
Mechanics lien deadlines
8 months

Generally, lien required w/in 8 months of last furnishing services. On single-family residential projects, w/in 4 months.

File A Lien Fast
Enforcement deadlines
1 year

In New York, a mechanics lien is generally effective for one year after its filing, and an action to enforce the lien must be initiated within that period of time.

However, New York is one of the few states that allows the deadline to enforce a mechanics lien to be extended, potentially more than once.

Preliminary notice deadlines
None
Send Your Notice
Mechanics lien deadlines
8 months

Generally, lien required w/in 8 months of last furnishing services. On single-family residential projects, w/in 4 months.

File A Lien Fast
Enforcement deadlines
1 year

In New York, a mechanics lien is generally effective for one year after its filing, and an action to enforce the lien must be initiated within that period of time.

However, New York is one of the few states that allows the deadline to enforce a mechanics lien to be extended, potentially more than once.

Preliminary notice deadlines
None
Send Your Notice
Mechanics lien deadlines
8 months

Generally, lien required w/in 8 months of last furnishing services. On single-family residential projects, w/in 4 months.

File A Lien Fast
Enforcement deadlines
1 year

In New York, a mechanics lien is generally effective for one year after its filing, and an action to enforce the lien must be initiated within that period of time.

However, New York is one of the few states that allows the deadline to enforce a mechanics lien to be extended, potentially more than once.