Tennessee Mechanic's Lien Guide

Notice of Nonpayment must be received within 90 days of the last day of each month within which work, services, materials, machinery, or equipment were furnished, if the items are unpaid and the claimant “intends” to claim a lien for the unpaid amounts. Plan on sending monthly notices for any unpaid work in previous months. Best to do this by day 75 after furnishing or earlier to help ensure delivery of notice by day 90. Example: You perform services on January 5, 2025. If you have not been paid for your services in January, your notice must be received by the owners and general contractor by April 30, 2025 (90 days from January 31, 2025.)

Must record a "Notice of Lien and Sworn Statement" in the register of deeds within 90 days after completion of the project. If an owner files a Notice of Completion (NOC) after the job finishes, any lien claimant who hasn't already recorded must serve written notice of its claim within 10 days (residential 1–4) or 30 days (all other projects) from the NOC record date or the lien rights expire. Lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 1 year of the date the lien is recorded. However, if the owner serves a “demand to enforce,” you must file within 60 days of that demand. Mechanic's liens cannot be extended in Tennessee.