Step 1 — Send the Michigan Notice of Furnishing
Michigan Notice of Furnishing applies to anyone who does not have a direct contract with the owner or lessee. In most cases, subs & suppliers will need to file a Notice of Furnishing and GCs don’t.
Notice of Furnishing is served via certified mail to the owner and GC
Must be sent within 20 days of first furnishing labor or material
GCs skip this step
Step 2 — Prepare the Michigan Mechanics Lien Form
Your Michigan Mechanics Lien requires specific information:
Legal property description
Property owner’s name
Claimant’s information
First and last date of work
Total contract amount
Amount paid to date
Amount remaining unpaid
Description of labor/materials
Proof of Service affidavit
Step 3 — Record the Michigan Mechanics Lien with the County Register of Deeds
You must file the claim of Lien in the county where the property is located and pay the filing fee.
You may file:
In person
By mail
Electronically (varies by county)
Step 4 — Serve the Recorded Michigan Mechanics Lien on the Owner
Michigan requires service of the lien on the owner within 15 days of recording.
Acceptable service methods vary, but certified mail, return receipt requested is most common.
Step 5 — Enforce the Michigan Mechanics Lien If You Remain Unpaid
If the owner still does not pay make sure you keep track of when you recorded the claim of Line. You must enforce the Michigan Lien by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within 1 year of recording the lien.
Michigan requires attorney representation.