Step 1 —Serve the Notice of Intent to Claim a Lien
In Connecticut, every contractor and supplier, without exception, must serve a Notice of Intent to Claim a Mechanics Lien in order to preserve lien rights. This requirement applies equally to general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals, regardless of contract tier or project type.
The Notice of Intent must be served on the property owner within ninety (90) days of the claimant’s last furnishing of labor, materials, or services. This deadline is strictly enforced, and failure to properly serve the notice completely eliminates the right to file a mechanics lien.
Connecticut law allows the Notice of Intent to be served using the following methods:
Registered mail, return receipt requested
Certified mail, return receipt requested
Personal service, in the same manner as service of civil process
Step 2 — Prepare the Connecticut Mechanics Lien Claim
Once payment issues arise and work is complete, the next step is preparing the Connecticut Mechanics Lien Claim. This document formally asserts your claim against the property and must strictly comply with Connecticut’s statutory requirements.
The lien must clearly identify:
Claimant’s legal name and address
Property owner’s name
Hiring party
Legal description of the property
Description of labor or materials furnished
Amount unpaid and claimed
Last date of furnishing
Step 3 — Record the Lien with the Town Clerk
The lien must be recorded with the Town Clerk in the municipality where the property is located within 90 days of last furnishing.
Filling options vary by county:
In person
By mail
Electronically (varies by county)
Step 4 — Serve the Recorded Lien
A copy of the recorded lien should be served on the property owner promptly after recording. While the statute focuses on recording deadlines, service avoids notice disputes during enforcement.
Step 5 — Enforce the Connecticut Mechanics Lien
Recording a lien does not guarantee payment. If the balance remains unpaid, the lien must be enforced by filing a foreclosure lawsuit in court within one year of recording. Failure to enforce causes the lien to expire permanently.