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Ohio Mechanics Lien Guide
Deadlines • Notices • Filing Requirements • Step-By-Step Instructions

OH 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 ABOUT OHIO CONSTRUCTION LIEN:

⭐ 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.


Start Your Ohio Preliminary Notice
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