North Dakota mechanic's liens
Mechanic's Liens in North Dakota — Sources checked
Who and what this applies to
Chapter 35-27 real-estate improvements.
Thresholds and scope
Recovery is limited by owner payments and valid signed waivers; Chapter 35-24 work is excluded.
The rules
- An owner or authorized contracting-chain agreement supports a lien for the unpaid contribution. Give certified-mail notice to the owner at least ten days before recording. Source
- Record within 90 days after completing the contribution. Late recording loses protection against intervening good-faith purchasers/encumbrancers and owner payments; recording is barred more than three years after first materials. Source
- Before enforcement, personally serve owner notice at least ten days before suit, or send registered mail at least 20 days before suit. Source
- Sue and record lis pendens within three years after lien recording. A compliant owner demand delivered to the lienor and filed with the recorder shortens both deadlines to 30 days after delivery. Source
Primary sources
Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.
Not legal advice. This is general legal information. Laws and project facts differ; confirm the applicable requirements for your project.
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