Minnesota Construction Lien Guide
Deadlines • Notices • Filing Requirements • Step-By-Step Instructions
Minnesota lien laws are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 514.
If you provide labor, materials, or improvements to real property in Minnesota, this guide explains everything you need to know to protect your lien rights, including deadlines, required notices, filing requirements, and enforcement rules.
In Minnesota, the terms Mechanics Lien, Construction Lien, and Statement of Claim are commonly used to describe the same lien right.
LET’S LEARN THE BASICS ABOUT MINNESOTA CONSTRUCTION LIEN:
⭐ Who Can File a Mechanics Lien in Minnesota?
Minnesota grants lien rights to parties who contribute to the improvement of real property, including general contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, material suppliers, laborers, equipment rental companies, restoration contractors, and design professionals such as architects and engineers. If you furnished labor, materials, equipment, or professional services to a Minnesota project and were not paid, you likely have lien rights under Minnesota law.
⭐Minnesota Lien Deadlines (Critical)
Minnesota lien law is strict. Missing a deadline or required notice can void your lien rights. Contractors should be aware of two key deadlines.
Deadline #1: to File a Minnesota Mechanics Lien
In Minnesota, a construction lien must be filed within 120 days after the last day labor, materials, or services were furnished to the project.This deadline applies to general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers alike. If the lien is not recorded within this 120-day period, lien rights are permanently lost.
Deadline #2: to Enforce a Minnesota Mechanics Lien
After recording the lien, it must be enforced by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within one (1) year from the date of the last contribution of labor or materials. If enforcement is not timely pursued, the lien automatically expires and becomes unenforceable.
Before you can file a Minnesota construction lien, you must understand whether a Pre-Lien Notice is required. This notice protects your lien rights and is mandatory for most subcontractors and suppliers.
⭐Minnesota Pre-Lien Notice Requirements
Minnesota has one of the most important notice requirements in the country, particularly for residential projects.
A pre-lien notice serves one purpose: to inform the property owner that persons furnishing labor or materials may file a lien if they are not paid. This notice protects lien rights by ensuring the owner is aware of potential lien claimants early in the project.
Who Must Send a Minnesota Preliminary Notice?
In Minnesota, most contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers on residential projects must provide a pre-lien notice to the property owner. This includes general contractors unless the notice language is properly included in the written contract signed by the owner.
Who Does NOT Need a Minnesota Preliminary Notice?
A separate pre-lien notice is not required if the statutory pre-lien language is included in the written contract signed by the property owner. Public projects are also exempt from this requirement.
Minnesota Pre-Lien Notice Deadline
When required, the pre-lien notice must be provided before or within 45 days of first furnishing labor or materials. If the notice is not properly given, lien rights may be limited or completely barred, even if the work was properly performed and payment is owed.