Mechanic's Lien Guide
New Jersey Mechanic's Lien Guide
Lien deadlines, notice requirements, and filing procedures for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in New Jersey.
New Jersey Lien Deadlines
Preliminary Notice
Not requiredNotice of Intent to Lien
60 daysCommercial jobs: Optional, yet good practice to send Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to Lien (aka NUB) and to file before you file a lien. Residential jobs: Must file a Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to Lien (aka NUB) on residential projects within 60 days of last work in order to secure mechanic's lien rights. Additional requirements on residential jobs: After the NUB is recorded, you must provide an affidavit of proof of filing and a completed Demand for Arbitration. All must be served to the residential property owner. If during arbitration you are granted the right to file a lien, you must file within 10 days of notification.
Mechanic's lien
90-120 daysCommercial project: Must be filed within 90 days of last work. Residential project: Must be filed within 120 days of last work and within 10 days of the arbitrator granting the right to file a lien. You cannot file a lien on a residential project without first obtaining an arbitration award allowing the claimant to file the lien. Enforcement must be initiated within 1 year of last work. The project owner can reduce this deadline to 30 days by serving notice. Mechanic's liens cannot be extended in New Jersey.
Calculate your New Jersey 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.
New Jersey 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
Non-residential: not required. Residential: Notice of Unpaid Balance (NUB) within 60 days of last furnishing, then AAA arbitration within 10 days, lien only after award.
Enter project dates to calculate
Mechanics Lien Filing
Non-residential: 90 days from last furnishing. Residential: 120 days from last furnishing (arbitration demand and award required beforehand).
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Enforcement (foreclosure)
Within 1 year from last furnishing.
Calculated once you record the lien
New Jersey Lien Guide
Preliminary Notice & Notice of Intent
Preliminary Notice: In New Jersey, a preliminary notice is required to be sent by subcontractors and suppliers on public projects and may be sent on private jobs. Notice of Intent to Lien: Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien is required AND arbitration is required to determine if a lien is permitted.
Who Can File a Mechanic's Lien
Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and engineers are entitled to mechanic's lien rights in New Jersey.
Who Gets the Notice
Notice is given to the project owner.
Information Required
Information needed to file a mechanic's lien in New Jersey includes: - Project owner's name - Description of the property - Amount owed - Description of the work or materials - Claimant's information
New Jersey Public Works
Public jobs: Subcontractors or material suppliers in contract with a subcontractor or to the prime contractor (i.e. statutory beneficiaries under the NJ Bond Act not in privity with the prime contractor) MUST provide written notice to the prime contractor that they are a beneficiary of the payment bond before commencing work or supplying materials. In New Jersey, a municipal mechanic's lien on funds undispersed to the general contractor is available, but it does not cover projects contracted through the state of New Jersey. (N.J.S.A. 2A:44-12) Suit on a payment bond is available for contracts not qualifying for a municipal mechanic's lien. The bond covers first- and second-tier subcontractors and suppliers. To qualify for a municipal mechanic's lien, written notice is required within 20 days of starting work. The lien must be enforced within 60 days of the general contractor completing work. To qualify for suit on a payment bond, written notice is required before starting work. Suit must be filed after 90 days, but within 1 year of last work.
New Jersey Lien Statutes
Official Resources
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