Tennessee Construction Lien Guide
Deadlines • Notices • Filing Requirements • Step-By-Step Instructions
Tennessee lien laws are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-11-101 et seq.
If you provide labor, materials, or improvements to real property in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee, Mechanics Lien, Construction Lien, and Lien Claim refer to the same lien right.
LET’S LEARN THE BASICS ABOUT TENNESSEE CONSTRUCTION LIEN:
⭐ Who Can File a Mechanics Lien in Tennessee?
Tennessee grants lien rights to anyone who improves real property, including:
•General contractors
•Subcontractors
•Sub-subcontractors
•Material suppliers
•Laborers
•Equipment rental companies
•Restoration contractors
•Architects, engineers, and other design professionals
If you furnish labor, materials, equipment, or professional services to a Tennessee project, you likely have lien rights under Tennessee law.
⭐ Tennessee Lien Deadlines (Critical)
Tennessee lien law is strict. Missing a deadline or required notice can void your lien rights. Below are the two most important deadlines contractors must know.
Deadline #1: File a Tennessee Mechanics Lien
In Tennessee, a mechanics lien must be filed: within 90 days from the last day labor, materials, or services were furnished.
This deadline applies to both general contractors and subcontractors and is strictly enforced.
Deadline #2: Enforce a TennesseeMechanics Lien
After recording your Tennessee construction lien, you must enforce it by filing a lawsuit within 1 year from the date the lien was recorded.
If enforcement is not timely pursued, the lien automatically expires and becomes unenforceable.
Before you can file an Tennessee construction lien, you must understand whether a Preliminary Notice is required. This notice protects your lien rights and is mandatory for most subcontractors and suppliers.
⭐Tennessee Preliminary Notice Requirements
A 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 Tenneessee Preliminary Notice?
· Subcontractors
· Sub-subcontractors
· Material suppliers
· Equipment rental companies
Notice requirements most commonly apply on residential projects, but may also apply on certain commercial projects depending on circumstances.
Who Does NOT Need an Tenneessee Preliminary Notice?
· General contractors with a direct contract with the property owner
Tennessee Preliminary Notice Deadline
When required, preliminary notice must generally be sent within 90 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Failing to send a required notice can result in loss of lien rights.