Step #1 — Serve Required Washington Pre-Claim of Lien Notice (if applicable)
If you do not have a direct contract with the owner, confirm that the Pre-Claim of Lien Notice was served within 60 days of first work.
You must serve the property owner with the Washington Pre-Claim of Lien Notice via registered mail, certified mail, or personal service.
Step #2 — Draft the Washington Mechanics Lien
A Washington mechanics lien must be recorded:
Within ninety (90) days of the claimant’s last date of furnishing
The lien is recorded with the County Auditor/Recorder in the county where the property is located. Missing this deadline results in a complete loss of lien rights.
The lien must clearly identify:
Claimant’s legal name and address
Property owner’s name
Hiring party’s name
Legal description of the property
Description of labor, materials, or services
Amount claimed as unpaid
First and last date of furnishing
Claimant’s signature and verification
Step 3 — Record the Washington Construction Lien with the County Clerk
Record the Washington Construction lien in County Auditor/Recorderliens must be recorded within 90 days, and enforcement must occur within 8 months.
Filling options vary by county:
In person
By mail
Electronically (varies by county)
Step 4 — Serve the Recorded Lien on the Owner
Washington law does require service of the recorded mechanics lien, but it does not set a fixed number of days, but best practice is to serve the recorded lien on the owner promptly.
Courts interpret this as service within a reasonable time, and delay can be used against the lien claimant.
Step 5 — Enforce the Washington Mechanics Lien
If unpaid, you must enforce you Washington Mechanics lien by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within 8 months of recording. Negotiations do not extend this deadline.