Mechanic's Lien Guide
Arizona Mechanic's Lien Guide
Lien deadlines, notice requirements, and filing procedures for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in Arizona.
Arizona Lien Deadlines
Preliminary Notice
20 daysMust be given to the project owner, party contracted with, general contractor, any surety or bond company if a payment bond is on the project, and any construction lender within 20 days of starting work. Recommended to provide to all interested parties up the payment chain.
Mechanic's Lien
120 daysMust be filed within 120 days of project completion. Best to file within 120 days of claimant's last day on job or last delivery date. See definition of "project completion" in Arizona statutes ARS 33-993 C. However, if the project owner files a Notice of Completion, the mechanic's lien deadline to file is shortened to 60 days from the date the notice is filed. Enforcement must be initiated within 6 months of filing the lien or the lien expires and becomes unenforceable. Mechanic's liens cannot be extended in Arizona.
Calculate your Arizona Mechanics Lien Deadline
Your project
DISCLAIMER: These deadlines are pulled from recent lien laws, but you should consult a lien expert or lawyer to understand the deadlines specific to your situation.
Arizona deadlines
Showing deadlines for a Subcontractor. Deadlines can vary by role.
Enter your project dates on the left to calculate exact deadline dates.
Preliminary Notice
20 days from first furnishing (late notice effective beginning 20 days prior to the date sent)
Enter project dates to calculate
Mechanics Lien Filing
120 days from completion of the project as a whole (60 days if a notice of completion was filed)
Enter project dates to calculate
Enforcement (foreclosure)
6 months after lien recording
Calculated once you record the lien
Arizona Lien Guide
Preliminary Notice & Notice of Intent
Preliminary Notice: A 20-day notice must be given within 20 days of starting work. Notice of Intent to Lien: Not required, but recommended in Arizona.
Who Can File a Mechanic's Lien
Contractors, subcontractors, laborers, suppliers, architects, and engineers are entitled to mechanic's lien rights in Arizona. Contractors that do not have required business licenses and/or contractors licenses for the work they perform do not have lien rights.
Who Gets the Notice
Notice is given to the project owner, the party you are contracted with, the general contractor, and the lender; however, it is recommended to send to all interested parties up the payment chain from the claimant.
Information Required
Information needed to file a mechanic's lien in Arizona includes: - Project owners' name(s) - Lender - General contractor - Party contracted with - Copy of pre lien(s), affidavits and proof of mailing of all pre liens - Copy of agreement - Description of labor/materials - Property description (address), parcel number, and full legal description - Lien claim amount - Claimant’s info - Claimant’s role - Date of last work
Arizona Public Works
In Arizona, a mechanic's lien on public works projects is not available. Instead, a claim on a payment bond is available for anyone supplying labor or materials to contractors and subcontractors on public projects. A payment bond must cover the full amount of the contract for most public works projects in Arizona. Claimants must send a 20-day preliminary notice to secure rights and a 90-day notice of claim for payment. Claimant must file suit between 90 days and 1 year from the date labor or materials were last supplied.
Arizona Lien Statutes
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