Michigan Construction Lien FAQ

90 days from your last furnishing of labor or materials.

Yes, if you are a subcontractor, sub-subcontractor, or supplier.
No, if you contracted directly with the owner.

General contractors

Subcontractors

Sub-subcontractors

Material suppliers

Laborers

Restoration contractors 

Architects, engineers, surveyors

In Michigan, you lose your lien rights. You cannot file a mechanics lien.

With the County Register of Deeds where the property is located.

oLegal property description

oProperty owner’s name

oClaimant’s information

oFirst and last date of work

oTotal contract amount

oAmount paid to date

oAmount remaining unpaid

oDescription of labor/materials

oProof of Service affidavit

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. 

Yes. Michigan requires lien enforcement. A construction lien does not enforce itself, and recording the lien alone is not enough to preserve lien rights. To keep a Michigan construction lien valid, the lien claimant must file a lawsuit to foreclose or enforce the lien within one year after the lien is recorded. If no enforcement action is filed within that one-year period, the lien automatically expires and becomes unenforceable under Michigan law.