DC Construction Lien Guide
District of Columbia mechanics lien law is governed by D.C. Code §§ 40-301.01 through 40-301.13.
If you provide labor, materials, equipment, or professional services that improve private real property in the District of Columbia and are not paid, DC law allows you to secure payment through a mechanics lien, but only if statutory filing, service, and enforcement rules are strictly followed.
Keep in mind that DC Mechanics Lien, Construction Lien, and Notice of Mechanic’s Lien are commonly used interchangeably to describe the same statutory lien right.
LET’S LEARN THE BASICS OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CONSTRUCTION LIENS
⭐ Who Can File a Mechanics Lien in District of Columbia?
DC grants mechanics lien rights to parties who improve private real property, including:
General contractors
Subcontractors
Sub-subcontractors
Material suppliers
Laborers
Architects, engineers, and other design professionals
Mechanics liens do not apply to public projects in DC. Public work is protected through payment bond remedies.
⭐ District of Columbia Lien Deadlines (Critical)
Deadline #1 — File the DC Mechanics Lien
A DC mechanics lien must be filed within 90 days of the claimant’s last furnishing of labor or materials.
This deadline is strict. The mechanics lien is filed with the Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia.
Make sure your DC Mechanics Lien form includes:
the claimant’s legal name and address,
the property owner’s name,
the party who hired the claimant,
a description of the labor or materials provided,
the unpaid amount claimed, and
a sufficient description of the property.
Deadline #2 — Serve the DC Mechanics Lien on the Owner (Mandatory)
After filing the DC Mechanics lien, the claimant must serve a copy of the recorded lien on the property owner.
Service deadline: Within 5 days after filing
Acceptable service methods:
Personal service, or
Certified mail, return receipt requested