Michigan mechanic's liens

Who and what this applies to

Private real-property construction liens under the Construction Lien Act.

Thresholds and scope

Notice rules vary by claimant and by the notice-of-commencement provisions in sections 108 and 108a.

The rules

• Subject to sections 108/108a, subs and suppliers give notice of furnishing within 20 days of first labor/materials to the statutory recipients. Direct owner/lessee contractors do not need that notice. Late notice has the limited effects stated in subsections (5)-(6), rather than automatically destroying every sub/supplier lien. Source
• Record the lien within 90 days after the claimant’s last contractual furnishing in each applicable county. Serve the recorded lien and applicable proof of notice on the statutory recipient within 15 days after recording. Source
• Commence enforcement no later than one year after lien recording, and record lis pendens when bringing the foreclosure action. Source

Primary sources

• MCL 570.1109
• MCL 570.1111(1), (4)-(5)
• MCL 570.1117(1)-(2)

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

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