Guide to filing a mechanics lien in Summit County

Where is the Summit County Recorder's Office that files mechanic liens?

You can file your mechanic liens in person at the Summit County Fiscal Office Recording Division located at:

175 South Main Street, 4th Floor
Akron, OH 44308

Phone: 330-643-2712

Office Hours:
7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

You can also submit your documents electronically.

E-recording is the process of recording documents electronically.

The Summit County Fiscal Office works with the following vendors to e-record documents:

Simplifile
Phone: 800-460-5657
Website: https://simplifile.com

Corporation Service Company (CSC)
Phone: 866-652-0111
Website: www.erecording.com

eRecording Partners Network (ePN)
Phone: Phone: 888-325-3365
Website: www.GOePN.com

What is Summit County's Recording Backlog?

The Summit County Fiscal Office does not publicly disclose information on recording backlog. However, note that the county’s document turnaround time is 3 to 5 working days.

Should I file my mechanics lien in Summit County?

If your construction project is located in Summit County, then yes, you should file your lien here.

What are Summit County's requirements for recording a mechanics lien?

The Summit County Fiscal Office’s recording requirements are as follows:

1. Prepare documents legibly according to statutory requirements and standardization.

2. Properly title, date and execute the document including typed names and titles beneath all signatures. Make sure each name and signature is consistent throughout the document.

3. Properly witness and/or acknowledge all documents according to the laws of the State of Ohio, including a complete and legible notary seal and expiration date.

4. Include the complete legal description of the property with all initial recordings and on subsequent recordings where required by state statute.

5. Properly reference previously recorded documents when submitting subsequent related documents for recording. This may include document numbers, book and page numbers and recording dates.

6. Include the name and address of who prepared the documents and the address of where the documents are to be returned. Include a phone number because some jurisdictions will call if a minor and correctable problem is noticed.

7. Identify schedules and exhibits clearly and number each page so the jurisdiction knows they belong with the document to be filed.

8. Include applicable taxes and be sure to issue a separate check for recording fees.

9. Include a self addressed stamped envelope to ensure return of the document.

10. Check your work and issue separate checks for extra fees to ensure proper processing of a document and to avoid rejection at the recording office.

What are the margin & page size requirements to file a lien in Summit County?

The Summit County Recorder’s Office recording requirements are as follows:

1. Liens must be printed on 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 size paper.
2. Font size must be at least 10 point, and only blue or black ink is permitted.
3. Permitted fonts include Times New Roman, Helvetica, and Palatino.
4. Use of highlights is prohibited.
5. The top of the first page must include a 3 inch margin. The top of each subsequent
page should include a 1.5 inch margin, and the bottom and sides must include a 1 inch margin.

Failure to meet these standards results in an additional $20 fee.

How can I make payment to the Summit County Recorder's Office?

The Summit County Fiscal Office accepts check payments for recording fees.

What are the filing fees to record a mechanics lien in Summit County?

The Summit County Fiscal Office’s recording fees are as follows:

Recording Fees

Basic Recording Fee: $28.00 for the first two pages and $8.00 for each additional page

Non Compliant Fee: $20.00 per document

Cross Reference: $4.00 each

Lien Fees

IRS Lien: $5.00

IRS Release: $3.00

Copy Fees

Document Copies: $2.00 per page

Document Certification: $1.00 per document

How do I get a recorded copy of my lien from the Summit County Recorder's Office?

You can obtain a recorded copy of your lien in person at the Summit County Fiscal Office Recording Division located at:

175 South Main Street, 4th Floor
Akron, OH 44308

Phone: 330-643-2712

Office Hours:
7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

You can also mail a request. The cost of the copy is $4; add $1.00 if you want the copy certified. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your request For more information call 330-643-2720.

You can also search for Summit County’s documents recorded March 20, 1988 to today online at: https://eagleweb.summitoh.net/recorder/web/