Michigan Construction Lien Guide
Deadlines • Notices • Filing Requirements • Step-By-Step Instructions
Michigan’s lien laws are governed by the Michigan Construction Lien Act (MCL 570.1101 et seq.).
If you provide labor, materials, or improvements to real property in Michigan, this guide explains everything you need to protect your lien rights: deadlines, required notices, forms, and how to file a lien step-by-step.
Keep in mind that Michigan Mechanics Lien, Construction Lien and Claim of Liencan be used interchangeably.
LET’S LEARN THE BASICS ABOUT MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION LIEN:
⭐ Who Can File a Mechanics Lien in Michigan?
Michigan gives lien rights to anyone who improves real property, including:
General contractors
Subcontractors
Sub-subcontractors
Material suppliers
Laborers
Restoration contractors
Architects, engineers, surveyors
If you furnish labor, materials, equipment, or professional services, you likely have lien rights under Michigan law.
⭐ Michigan Lien Deadlines (Critical)
LIEN IT OR LOSE IT! Michigan construction lien deadlines cannot be extended.
Missing a deadline = losing your construction lien rights.
Here are the two biggest deadlines contractors must know.
Deadline #1: to File a Michigan Mechanics Lien (Claim of Lien)
In Michigan, you have to file the lien within 90 days of your last labor, materials, or services.
This deadline is strict. No exceptions.
If you miss the 90-day window → your lien will be invalid and unenforceable.
Deadline #2: to Enforce a Michigan Mechanics Lien
After recording your construction lien, you must enforce it by filing suit, within 1 year of the lien recording date. This is done by starting the foreclosure process against the property.
If you don’t file a foreclosure lawsuit within 12 months of the recording date, the lien automatically expires.
Before you can file a Michigan 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.
⭐ Michigan Notice of Furnishing Requirements
A Notice of Furnishing, also known as 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 a Michigan Notice of Furnishing?
Subcontractors
Sub-subcontractors
Material suppliers
Labor providers
Who Does NOT Need a Michigan Notice of Furnishing?
Contractors who have a direct contract with the property owner, typically a GC.
Michigan Notice of Furnishing Deadline:
You must send the Notice of Furnishing within 20 days of your first day of furnishing labor or materials.