Mechanic's Lien Guide
Washington Mechanic's Lien Guide
Lien deadlines, notice requirements, and filing procedures for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in Washington.
Washington Lien Deadlines
Preliminary Notice
10-60 daysNotice of Right to Claim Lien required within 10 days of first furnishing labor or materials for new single-family residential construction. Notice of Right to Claim Lien required within 60 days of first furnishing labor or materials for all other projects.
Mechanic's lien
90 daysMust be filed within 90 days of last work. Enforcement must be initiated within 8 calendar months from the date the claim of lien was recorded. Mechanic's liens cannot be extended in Washington.
Calculate your Washington 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.
Washington 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
60 days from first furnishing
Enter project dates to calculate
Mechanics Lien Filing
90 days from last furnishing
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Enforcement (foreclosure)
8 months from date lien was filed
Calculated once you record the lien
Washington Lien Guide
Preliminary Notice & Notice of Intent
Preliminary Notice: In Washington, Notice of Right to Claim a Lien is required for subcontractors and suppliers without a direct contract with the owner. For general contractors, Disclosure Statement/Notice to Customer is required for residential (4 or fewer and over $1,000)/small commercial jobs (between $1,000 and $60,000) per RCW 18.27.114. Notice of Intent to Lien: Not required in Washington.
Who Can File a Mechanic's Lien
Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals are entitled to mechanic's lien rights in Washington.
Who Gets the Notice
Notice is given to the project owner and general contractor.
Information Required
Information needed to file a mechanic's lien in Washington includes: - Project owner's name - Description of the property - Amount owed - Dates of first and last furnishing - Claimant's information
Washington Public Works
In Washington, both suit on a payment bond and lien on retained funds are available to subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, and suppliers. For suit on a payment bond, written notice must be given within 30 days of project completion and acceptance. Suit must be filed in accordance with the bond terms or within 6 years of notice of claim, whichever is sooner. For lien on retained funds, written notice must be given within 45 days of contract completion. Suit must be filed within 4 months of notice of claim. These deadlines can vary for suppliers in certain instances.
Washington Lien Statutes
Official Resources
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