Missouri mechanic's liens

Who and what this applies to

Private commercial construction liens under chapter 429. Residential-specific consent and notice-of-rights rules are outside this commercial summary.

Thresholds and scope

Equipment-rental liens have separate commercial-property, over-$5,000 and 15-business-day notice conditions.

The rules

• Section 429.010 grants liens for the specified labor, materials and services; its equipment-rental conditions apply to renting equipment to others and do not apply identically to contractors using rented equipment to perform their own work. Source
• The original contractor gives the statutory owner disclosure before receiving payment; this is a condition of its lien under section 429.012. Source
• File the verified lien account with the circuit clerk within six months after indebtedness accrues; for rental equipment/machinery, within 60 days after last removal. Source
• A claimant other than the original contractor gives the owner ten days’ notice before filing. Source
• Commence enforcement within six months after filing and prosecute without unnecessary delay. Source

Primary sources

• RSMo §429.010
• RSMo §429.012
• RSMo §429.080
• RSMo §429.100
• RSMo §429.170

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

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