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Ohio Mechanics Lien Guide
Deadlines

Ohio Construction Lien Guide

Ohio’s lien laws are governed by the Ohio Revised Code § 1311.01 et seq. If you provide labor, materials, or improvements to real property in Ohio, 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 Ohio Mechanics Lien, Construction Lien, and Affidavit of Mechanics Lien can be used interchangeably.

LET’S LEARN THE BASICS OF OHIO CONSTRUCTION LIENS

⭐ Who Can File a Mechanics Lien in Ohio?


Ohio gives lien rights to anyone who improves real property, including:

  • General contractors

  • Restoration contractors

  • Subcontractors

  • Sub-subcontractors

  • Material suppliers

  • Laborers

  • Lessors of equipment

  • Architects, engineers, surveyors

If you furnish labor, materials, equipment, or professional services, you likely have lien rights under Ohio law.

⭐ Ohio Lien Deadlines (Critical)


LIEN IT OR LOSE IT! Ohio construction lien deadlines are short and cannot be extended. 

Missing a deadline = losing your construction lien rights.


Here are the two biggest deadlines contractors and suppliers must know.


Deadline #1: to File an Ohio Mechanics Lien (Affidavit of Lien)

  • Residential projects: You must file the lien within 60 days of your last furnishing labor or materials.

  • Non-Residential: You must file the lien within 75 days of your last furnishing labor or materials.

Deadline #2: to Enforce the Ohio Mechanics Lien


If you remain unpaid, you must enforce the Ohio Lien by filing a foreclosure lawsuit:

  • Deadline: within 6 years of recording the lien.


Before you can file an Ohio construction lien, you must understand whether a Preliminary Notice is required. This notice protects your lien rights.


⭐ Preliminary Notice Requirement: The Ohio Preliminary Notice


To protect your lien rights, parties who do not have a direct contract with the owner or general contractor must send a preliminary notice. This is called the Preliminary Notice. General Contractors skip this step.

  • Who needs to file: Subcontractors, suppliers, and others who do not have a direct contract with the owner or lessee.

  • Deadline: Must be sent within 21 days of the first day of furnishing labor or material.

  • Service: Notice of Furnishing is served via certified mail to the owner and original contractor.


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