Step 1 — Send the Iowa Notice to Owner (Residential Projects Only)
Before filing an Iowa Construction Lien, you must confirm whether the project is residential or commercial, because Iowa’s notice requirements change based on property type.
Iowa law requires subcontractors, suppliers, and other parties who do not contract directly with the homeowner to serve a Notice to Owner. This notice must be sent within 10 days of first furnishing labor or materials and is intended to alert the homeowner that lower-tier parties are involved and may assert lien rights if unpaid. Failure to timely and properly serve this notice permanently bars mechanics lien rights on residential property.
Step 3 — Prepare the Iowa Mechanics Lien Statement
The filing deadline of an Iowa Mechanics Lien is within 90 days of the claimant’s last date of furnishing labor, materials, equipment, or professional services.
Make sure to include the following in your Iowa Mechanic's Lien:
Claimant’s legal name and address
Property owner’s name
Hiring party’s name
Legal property description
Description of labor, materials, or services
Amount claimed as unpaid
Date of last furnishing
Claimant’s signature and verification
Step 3 — Prepare the Iowa Mechanics Lien Statement
The filing deadline of an Iowa Mechanics Lien is within 90 days of the claimant’s last date of furnishing labor, materials, equipment, or professional services.
Make sure to include the following in your Iowa Mechanic's Lien:
Claimant’s legal name and address
Property owner’s name
Hiring party’s name
Legal property description
Description of labor, materials, or services
Amount claimed as unpaid
Date of last furnishing
Claimant’s signature and verification