Maine Construction Lien FAQ

In Maine, a mechanics lien must be recorded within 90 days of the claimant’s last furnishing of labor or materials to the project. The “last furnishing” must reflect actual lienable work, and should not include warranty work, punch-list repairs, inspections, or administrative tasks. 

No. Maine does not require a preliminary notice or notice to owner before filing a mechanics lien. Unlike many states, lien rights in Maine arise automatically when lienable work is performed. 

Mechanics lien rights in Maine extend to parties who improve private real property, including:

• General contractors

• Subcontractors

• Sub-subcontractors

• Material suppliers

• Laborers

• Certain design professionals when services directly improve the property

Mechanics liens do not apply to public projects, which are protected through bond claims instead.

If the lien is not recorded within 90 days of last furnishing, lien rights are permanently lost. 

A Maine mechanics lien is recorded with the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Filing in the wrong county invalidates the lien. You can do this either in person, mail, or electronically, if permitted. 

A Maine mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 120 days after recording the lien. If enforcement is not commenced within this time, the lien automatically expires and becomes unenforceable against the property.

A Maine lien claim must include:

• The name of the lien claimant

• The name of the property owner

• A description of the property sufficient for identification

• The amount claimed

• A statement of the labor or materials provided

• The date of last furnishing

No. Maine does not impose a statutory minimum or maximum lien amount. However, the lien must reflect the actual unpaid balance for lienable work. Inflated or unsupported lien amounts can expose the claimant to lien invalidation and potential damages.

Yes. Maine allows multiple contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to file separate mechanics liens on the same property. Each lien secures only the amount owed to that claimant.

If the customer pays you the full amount owed after you have recorded a lien, you have a legal obligation to formally clear the lien from the property records.

You must prepare and file a Maine Discharge of Lien (or Release of Lien) with the same office where the original lien was recorded.