Alabama Construction Lien Guide Deadlines • Notices • Filing Requirements • Step-By-Step Instructions
Alabama lien laws are governed by Alabama Code § 35-11-210 through § 35-11-234.
If you provide labor, materials, or improvements to real property in Alabama, this guide explains
everything you need to know to protect your lien rights: deadlines, notices, forms, and a clear
step-by-step filing process.
In Alabama, Mechanics Lien, Materialman’s Lien, and Statement of Lien refer to the same lien
right.
LET’S LEARN THE BASICS ABOUT ALABAMA CONSTRUCTION LIEN:
⭐ Who Can File a Mechanics Lien in Alabama?
Alabama grants lien rights to anyone who improves real property, including:
General contractors
Subcontractors
Sub-subcontractors
Material suppliers
Laborers
Restoration contractors
Architects, engineers, surveyors (if contracted directly with owner or GC)
If you furnish labor, materials, equipment, or professional services, you likely have lien rights under Alabama law.
⭐ Alabama Lien Deadlines (Critical)
Alabama lien law is strict; missing a deadline or notice can void your lien rights. Here are the two biggest deadlines contractors must know about Alabama Lien:
Deadline #1: to File a Alabama Mechanics Lien
In Alabama, General Contractors have 6 months (180) days from last furnishing labor or materials.
Subcontractors/suppliers must file their Alabama Mechanic’s Lien within 120 days from last furnishing labor or materials.
Deadline #2: to Enforce a Alabama Mechanics Lien
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.
Before you can file an Alabama construction lien, you must understand whether a Notice of Furnishing is required. This notice protects your lien rights and is mandatory for most subcontractors and suppliers.
⭐ Alabama Preliminary Notice Requirements
A Preliminary Notice is a legal document and it serves one purpose:
To let the property owner, general contractor, and other required parties know that you are providing labor, materials, or services to the project.
It protects your lien rights by formally notifying the parties involved that you’re on the job and may file a lien if you’re not paid.
Who Must Send an Alabama Preliminary Notice?
If you do not have a direct contract with the owner, then you will need to send an Alabama Preliminary Notice. Send the Preliminary Notice as soon as possible.
Who Does NOT Need an Alabama Preliminary Notice?
Contractors who have a direct contract with the property owner, typically a GC.