Minnesota mechanic's liens

Who and what this applies to

Minnesota private-property mechanics liens; notice and enforcement rules depend on claimant and improvement type.

Thresholds and scope

Sections 514.011(4a)-(4c) contain same-ownership, more-than-four-unit residential and specified nonagricultural/nonresidential notice exceptions.

The rules

• A direct contractor using subs/suppliers gives the statutory notice in the written owner contract or, without one, within ten days after agreement. Indirect claimants generally give the owner notice within 45 days after first furnishing, subject to the stated exceptions. Source
• Within 120 days after last work, skill, materials or machinery, file the verified statement with the proper recording office and serve a copy on the statutory recipient by personal service or certified mail. Source
• Assert the lien by complaint or answer within one year after the last claim item stated in the recorded statement, and join persons to be bound within that year. Source

Primary sources

• Minn. Stat. §514.011
• Minn. Stat. §514.08
• Minn. Stat. §514.12 subd.3

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

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