Alabama Construction Lien FAQ

General Contractor:

Must file within 6 months after last furnishing labor or materials.

Subcontractor / Supplier:

Must file within 4 months after last furnishing.

These are strict deadlines — missing them invalidates the lien.

Yes, if you do not have a direct contract with the owner.

No, if you contracted directly with the owner.

General contractors

Subcontractors

Sub-subcontractors

Material suppliers

Laborers

Restoration contractors

Architects, engineers, surveyors

Alabama is a strict state, if you miss deadline, you lose your lien rights.

The lien must be recorded in the office of the judge of probate of the county where the

property is located.

Yes. After recording your Alabama construction lien, you must enforce it by filing suit, within 6 months of the debt becoming due.

For example, a contractor submits a final invoice on March 1 for labor and materials. 

The invoice is net 30, meaning it is due on April 1. On April 1, the indebtedness has become mature. The complaint to enforce the lien in this instance should be filed six (6) months from April 1, which is October 1.

o Legal property description

o Property owner’s name

o Claimant’s information (you)

o First and last date of work

o Total contract amount

o Amount paid to date

o Amount remaining unpaid

o Description of labor/materials

No. You may record a construction lien for any unpaid amount owed to you; however, you should always consider the cost-effectiveness of filing the lien before proceeding.

Yes. Multiple contractors can file liens on the same property if they each performed work and were not paid. For example, a project may involve a plumber, electrician, and HVAC contractor. If each provided labor or materials and did not receive payment, each contractor may record their own construction lien for the amount owed to them.

If the customer has paid you, you must release or discharge the lien.