New Jersey

Mechanic's Lien

Deadlines & Filing Guide

Know your notice requirements, lien filing deadlines, and foreclosure deadlines before you lose your rights.

GET YOUR  LIEN TOOLKIT

preliminary notice

Required?

Residential: Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien within statutory time

Lien Filing Deadline

File by:

90 days after last furnishing (residential and commercial)

Foreclosure Deadline

Enforce by:

1 year after filing lien

Statutory Authority

Where found:

N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 2A:44A-1 et seq. (Construction Lien Law)

DEADLINE CALCULATOR

Enter your last day of work to calculate your deadlines.

PRELIMINARY NOTICE
Deadline
—
LIEN FILING
Deadline
—
FORECLOSURE
Deadline
—
Enter your last day of work to see your estimated deadlines.

Where and How to File:

File a lien claim with the County Clerk (or Register of Deeds) in the county where the property is located. For residential, a Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien must precede the filing.

Important Notes:

Residential has arbitration demand process.

Quick Deadline Timeline

Contract
Signed

Work Begins
Signed

Preliminary
Notice

Residential: Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien within statutory time

Last
Furnishing

File Lien

90 days after last furnishing (residential and commercial)

Enforce Lien

1 year after filing lien