Vermont Construction Lien Guide
Vermont mechanics lien law is governed by 12 V.S.A. §§ 1921â1925.
If you provide labor, materials, equipment, or professional services that improve real property in Vermont and are not paid, this guide explains how to protect your lien rights.
Keep in mind that Vermont Mechanics Lien, Construction Lien and Claim of Liencan be used interchangeably.
LETâS LEARN THE BASICS OF VERMONT CONSTRUCTION LIEN
â Who Can File a Mechanics Lien in Vermont?
Vermont grants lien rights to:
General contractors
Subcontractors
Sub-subcontractors
Material suppliers
Equipment rental companies
Laborers
Architects, engineers, and other design professionals
Lien rights apply to private construction projects. (Public projects follow different bond remedies.)
â Vermont Lien Deadlines (Critical)
LIEN IT OR LOSE IT!
All Vermont mechanics lien deadlines are calculated from the claimantâs last date of furnishing labor, materials, equipment, or professional services to the project.
Deadline #1 â Record the Vermont Mechanics Lien
A Vermont mechanics lien must be recorded in the town clerkâs office where the property is located:
Within 120 days after the claimant last furnished work or materials
Missing this deadline results in a complete loss of lien rights.
Deadline #2 â Enforce the Vermont Mechanics Lien
Vermont mechanics liens are court-based and must be enforced quickly. To enforce the lien, the claimant must:
1. Commence a civil action (lawsuit) to enforce the lien, and
2. Cause the lien to be attached to the property through the court
This must be done: Within 3 months after recording the lien
If enforcement is not commenced within this period, the lien expires automatically.