New Jersey mechanic's liens

Who and what this applies to

Private construction liens under the Construction Lien Law; public works are excluded.

Thresholds and scope

A qualifying written contract signed by the contracting party against whom the lien is asserted is required.

The rules

• The contract must evidence responsibilities, consideration and the improvement; supplier delivery/order slips meeting statutory signature and project requirements can qualify. Source
• Public works are excluded; residential claims require strict compliance with sections 20–21. Source
• Lodge nonresidential claims within 90 days of last claimed furnishing. Residential claims must be lodged within 120 days of last claimed furnishing and within ten days after the arbitrator’s determination. Post-completion warranty/service calls do not reset the clock. Source
• Residential claimants first lodge a Notice of Unpaid Balance within 60 days of last claimed furnishing and serve it; absent written agreement to another process, demand expedited arbitration within ten days of lodging. Source
• Serve the owner/community association and affected contractor/subcontractor within ten days of lodging by statutory methods. Late service defeats enforcement if the unserved party proves material prejudice. Source
• Enforce within one year of last claimed furnishing, or within 30 days after a qualifying written demand by an affected owner/community association/contractor/subcontractor. Source

Primary sources

• N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-2
• N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-5
• N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-6
• N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-21(b)(1)-(3)
• N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-7
• N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-14

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

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