Illinois mechanic's liens
Mechanic's Liens in Illinois — Sources checked
Who and what this applies to
Original-contractor claim timing in 770 ILCS 60/7; different notice rules govern subcontractors.
The rules
- To enforce against or to the prejudice of another creditor, encumbrancer or purchaser, an original contractor must bring suit or record the verified claim within four months after completing the work or furnishing the last extra work or materials. Section 7 prescribes the credited amount, contract description, owner and sufficiently identifying property description. Source
- As against the owner, §7 states a two-year period after completion. The four-month rule protects priority against third parties and should not be replaced by a universal two-year filing instruction. Source
Primary sources
Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.
Not legal advice. This is general legal information. Laws and project facts differ; confirm the applicable requirements for your project.
Back to Illinois contractor law · Mechanic's Liens topic guide.
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