Louisiana mechanic's liens

Who and what this applies to

Private Works Act preservation of claims and privileges. The deadline depends on the claimant, notice of contract, notice of termination and residential notice conditions.

Thresholds and scope

Apply the appropriate branch of La. R.S. 9:4822; the branches are not interchangeable.

The rules

• Unless subsection B, C or D applies, file within 60 days after the notice of termination is filed, or after substantial completion or abandonment if no termination notice is filed. Source
• For a section 4802 claimant where a notice of contract was properly and timely filed, file and deliver the claim copy to an owner whose address appears in that notice within 30 days after termination-notice filing, or six months after substantial completion or abandonment if no termination notice is filed. Source
• A general contractor whose privilege was preserved under section 4811 files within 60 days after termination-notice filing, or seven months after substantial completion or abandonment if no termination notice is filed. Source
• The 70-day residential extension applies only to the specified claimants when no timely notice of contract was filed and the owner receives the required nonpayment notice before the ordinary period expires and at least ten days before the claim is filed. Source

Primary sources

• La. R.S. 9:4822(A)
• La. R.S. 9:4822(B)
• La. R.S. 9:4822(C)
• La. R.S. 9:4822(D)

Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.

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