Kentucky Construction Lien FAQ

1

In Kentucky, a construction lien must be filed within six (6) months from the last day labor or materials were furnished to the project.This deadline applies to general contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers alike. If the lien is not recorded within this six-month period, lien rights are lost and cannot be restored.

Kentucky does not require a universal preliminary notice for every project. However, subcontractors and material suppliers may be required to provide notice in certain situations, particularly on residential projects or when the property owner has already paid the general contractor in full. Sending notice early is strongly recommended to protect lien rights.

Kentucky allows construction liens to be filed by parties who improve real property, including general contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, material suppliers, laborers, equipment rental companies, restoration contractors, and certain design professionals.If you contributed labor, materials, or services and were not paid, you may have lien rights.

If you miss the six-month deadline to file a Kentucky construction lien, your lien rights are permanently lost. Once the deadline passes, a lien cannot be filed against the property, regardless of the amount owed or the reason for nonpayment.

A Kentucky construction lien must be recorded with the County Clerk in the county where the property is located. Filing in the wrong county or missing the deadline can invalidate the lien.

Yes. After a Kentucky lien is recorded, it must be enforced by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within twelve (12) months from the date the lien is filed. If enforcement is not timely pursued, the lien automatically expires and becomes unenforceable.

A valid Kentucky lien must include the legal description of the property, the property owner’s name, the claimant’s name and address, the first and last dates of furnishing labor or materials, a description of the work performed, the amount unpaid, and a notarized verification.

No. Kentucky does not impose a minimum or maximum lien amount. A lien may be filed for any unpaid balance, though contractors should always consider the cost-effectiveness of filing before proceeding.

Yes. Multiple contractors and suppliers may file separate liens against the same property if each performed work and was not paid. For example, a plumber, electrician, and HVAC contractor may each file their own lien for the amounts owed to them.

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

Once payment is received, the lien must be released or discharged of recordto clear the property’s title. Failing to release a lien after payment can create legal exposure.