Step 1 — Send the Tennessee The "Notice of Nonpayment" (For Subcontractors)
This is the most important notice for Subcontractors and Suppliers. It functions as a recurring preliminary notice.
When: Within 90 days of the last day of each month you were not paid.
Mandatory? YES. This is strictly mandatory to keep your lien rights.
The "Rolling" Rule: Because it is monthly, if you work for six months and aren't paid, you have to keep track of that 90-day clock for every month. If you miss the window for January work, you lose your lien rights for that month's work, even if you send a notice for February.
Who gets it: You must send it to both the Property Owner and the Prime Contractor.
Step 2 — Prepare the Tennessee Mechanics Lien Form
Your Tennessee Mechanics Lien should contain the following information:
· Legal description of the property
· Property owner’s name
· Claimant’s name and address (you)
· First and last furnishing dates
· Description of labor, materials, or services
· Amount unpaid
· Verification under oath (notarized)
Step 3 — Record the Tennessee Mechanics Lien with the County Register of Deeds
You must record the lien with the Register of Deedsin the county where the property is located.
Ensure the lien is properly notarized and filed within the 90-day deadline. Pay the recording fee and obtain a recorded copy.
Filling options vary by county:
In person
By mail
Electronically (varies by county)
Step 4 — Serve the Recorded Tennessee Mechanics Lien on the Owner
After recording, the TN lien should be served on the property owner and other required parties.
Although service requirements can vary, serving the lien promptly helps avoid disputes.
Step 5 — Enforce the Tennessee Mechanics Lien If You Remain Unpaid
If have not been paid after filing the Tennessee Lien, you must enforce it by filing suit, within one (1) year of the recording date.