Texas

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?

Not required for prime contractors; Subs: 15th day of month, 3 months after work provided and unpaid

Lien Filing Deadline

File by:

Commercial: 15th day of 4th month after completing; Residential: 15th day of 3rd month

Foreclosure Deadline

Enforce by:

Later of 1 year after completion/termination/abandonment or 2 years (commercial)/1 year (residential) from last date affidavit could have been recorded

Statutory Authority

Where found:

Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 53.001 et seq.

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 affidavit with the County Clerk in the county where the property is located. Must include a sworn statement of the amount due, property description, and name of owner. Serve notice on the owner. Constitutional lien for original contractors.

Important Notes:

Complex deadline calculations; constitutional lien for original contractors.

Quick Deadline Timeline

Contract
Signed

Work Begins
Signed

Preliminary
Notice

Not required for prime contractors; Subs: 15th day of month, 3 months after work provided and unpaid

Last
Furnishing

File Lien

Commercial: 15th day of 4th month after completing; Residential: 15th day of 3rd month

Enforce Lien

Later of 1 year after completion/termination/abandonment or 2 years (commercial)/1 year (residential) from last date affidavit could have been recorded