Kentucky Construction Lien Guide
Deadlines • Notices • Filing Requirements • Step-By-Step Instructions
Kentucky lien laws are governed by KRS Chapter 376.
If you provide labor, materials, or improvements to real property in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky, Mechanics Lien, Construction Lien, and Statement of Lien are commonly used to describe the same lien right.
For additional information, check out Kentucky Mechanics / Construction Lien (Step-By-Step).
LET’S LEARN THE BASICS ABOUT KENTUCKY CONSTRUCTION LIEN:
⭐Who Can File a Mechanics Lien in Kentucky?
Kentucky grants lien rights to parties who improve real property, including:
· General contractors
· Subcontractors
· Sub-subcontractors
· Material suppliers
· Laborers
· Equipment rental companies
· Restoration and remediation contractors
· Architects, engineers, and other design professionals (when properly contracted)
If you furnish labor, materials, equipment, or professional services to a Kentucky project and remain unpaid, you likely have lien rights under Kentucky law.
⭐ Kentucky Lien Deadlines (Critical)
Kentucky 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: File a Kentucky Mechanics Lien within six (6) months
In Kentucky, a mechanics lien must be filed within six (6) months after the last day labor or materials are furnished to the project.This filing deadline applies equally to general contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers, and it is strictly enforced. If the lien is not recorded within this six-month period, lien rights are lost and cannot be recovered.
Deadline #2: Enforce a Kentucky Mechanics Lien
After recording your Kentucky construction lien, you must enforce it by filing a lawsuit:
Within twelve (12) months from the date the lien was filed.
If enforcement is not timely pursued, the lien expires and becomes unenforceable.
Before you can file a Kentucky construction lien, you must determine whether a preliminary notice is required.
⭐ Kentucky Preliminary Notice Requirements
Kentucky’s notice rules differ from states like Michigan and Wisconsin.
A preliminary notice serves one purpose:
To notify the property owner that you are providing labor, materials, or services to the project and may file a lien if you are not paid.
Who Must Send a Kentucky Preliminary Notice?
Kentucky does not require a general preliminary notice for all projects. However, subcontractors and material suppliers must comply with notice requirements in certain circumstances, particularly on residential projects and where the owner has paid the general contractor in full.
Sending notice early is strongly recommended to preserve lien rights.
Who Does NOT Need a Kentucky Preliminary Notice?
· General contractors with a direct contract with the property owner
· Claimants whose contract is directly with the owner
When do you send Kentucky Preliminary Notice Deadline
When a preliminary notice is required under Kentucky law, it should be sent before or shortly after first furnishing labor or materials to the project. Sending notice early helps ensure the property owner is aware of your involvement and preserves your lien rights. Failing to send a required notice can limit or completely eliminate lien rights, particularly in situations where the owner has already paid the general contractor in full.