Ohio mechanic's liens

Who and what this applies to

Private real-property construction liens under Chapter 1311; oil/gas claims under §1311.021 have a separate filing period.

Thresholds and scope

The filing period depends on property and claim type.

The rules

• Where a notice of commencement has been recorded, covered subcontractors and suppliers ordinarily serve a notice of furnishing within 21 days after first furnishing on the statutory recipients. Direct-owner claimants, laborers and home-construction contracts have exceptions; late notice ordinarily protects only the preceding 21 days and later work. Source
• File the lien affidavit with the county recorder within 60 days after last furnishing for one- or two-family dwellings and residential condominium units; otherwise ordinarily 75 days. Section 1311.021 claims use 120 days. Source
• Serve the filed affidavit on the owner, part owner, lessee or designee within 30 days; the statutory alternative posting procedure applies if service cannot be completed. Source

Deadlines

Notice ordinarily 21 days; recording 60/75/120 days according to claim type; affidavit service 30 days.

Primary sources

• section-1311.05
• section-1311.06
• section-1311.07

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

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