Tennessee Construction Lien FAQ

A Tennessee construction lien must be recorded within 90 days of your last furnishing of labor, materials, or services. Missing this deadline results in loss of lien rights. 

Yes, in many cases. Subcontractors and suppliers on residential projects typically must send a Notice to Owner, while commercial projects may require a Notice of Nonpayment. Failure to send required notice can eliminate lien rights. 

General contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, laborers, equipment rental companies, restoration contractors, and certain design professionals may file liens if they improve property and remain unpaid.

If you miss the 90-day deadline to file a Tennessee mechanics lien, you lose your lien rights entirely. Once the deadline passes, a lien cannot be filed regardless of the amount owed.

Tennessee construction liens are recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located.

Yes. A Tennessee lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within one year of recording the lien. If the lien is not enforced in time, it expires.

A valid lien includes the legal property description, owner information, claimant information, furnishing dates, description of work or materials, amount owed, and a notarized verification.

No. Tennessee does not impose a minimum or maximum lien amount. A lien may be filed for any unpaid balance, though cost-effectiveness should always be considered.

Yes. Multiple contractors and suppliers may file separate liens against the same property if each performed work and was not paid.

Once payment is received, the lien must be released or satisfied of record to clear the property’s title.