Step 1 — Send the Notice of Furnishing
If you are a subcontractor or supplier, you must send the Notice of Furnishing to the owner and general contractor within 21 daysof your first day of work/delivery.
Step 2 — Prepare the Ohio Mechanics Lien Form
Your Ohio Mechanics Lien (Affidavit of Lien) requires specific information:
Amount claimed as due and owing.
Name and address of the claimant (you).
Name of the party who hired the claimant.
Name of the property owner/lessee.
Legal property description.
First and last date of work.
Step 3 — Record the Ohio Mechanics Lien with the County Recorder
You must file the Affidavit of Lien in the office of the County Recorder in the county where the property is located. Remember to include the required filing fee.
Recording Method: Filing options vary by county and may include in-person, by mail, or electronic recording.
Step 4 — Serve the Recorded Ohio Mechanics Lien on the Owner
Ohio requires service of the recorded lien on the property owner and/or the party who contracted for the improvement.
Deadline: The lien must be served upon the owner within 30 days of recording the lien with the County Recorder.
Acceptable Service: Service via certified mail, return receipt requested, is the most common method.
Step 5 — Enforce the Ohio Mechanics Lien If You Remain Unpaid
If the owner still does not pay, you must enforce the Ohio Lien by filing a foreclosure lawsuit.
Deadline: within 6 years of recording the lien.
Note: If the owner provides a written demand to commence suit, the deadline is shortened to 60 days from receipt of that notice.
Ohio requires attorney representation for foreclosure lawsuits.