Step 1 — Identify Your Last Date of Furnishing
Determine the last date you performed actual lienable work or supplied materials. Warranty work, inspections, punch-list items, or administrative tasks generally do not extend lien deadlines. This date controls all New Hampshire lien deadlines.
Step 2 — Prepare the New Hampshire Mechanics Lien
The New Hampshire mechancis lien must clearly identify:
Name of the lien claimant
Name of the property owner
Name of the party who hired the claimant
Description of the property sufficient to identify it
Description of the labor, materials, or services provided
First date of furnishing labor or materials
Last date of furnishing labor or materials
Exact amount claimed to be due and unpaid
Statement that the amount claimed is justly due
Signature of the claimant or authorized agent
Verification (notarization)
Step 3 — Record the NH Lien with the Town Clerk
Record the New Hampshire mechancis lien with the Town Clerk where the property is located within 120 days of last furnishing.
Step 4 — Send NH Notice of Intent to Lien
The Notice of Intent to Lien is a mandatory pre-enforcement notice designed to give the property owner a final opportunity to resolve payment before litigation. The NH Notice of Intent to Lien must be served at least 30 days before filing the lien enforcement lawsuit.
You need to serve the NH NOI on the property owner via certified mail, return receipt requested, or personal service.
Step 5 — Serve the NH Notice of Intent to Lien
Before enforcing the New Hampshire mechancis lien, serve a NH Notice of Intent to Lien on the owner at least 30 days before filing suit. Keep proof of service.
Step 6 — Enforce the New Hampshire Mechanics Lien
If payment is not made, file a foreclosure lawsuit within 120 days of recording the lien. Recording alone does not result in payment, the lien must be enforced to have legal effect.