Rhode Island mechanic's liens

Who and what this applies to

Private construction liens under Title 34, Chapter 28; the statutory claimant, owner-consent and notice requirements govern.

Thresholds and scope

The notice ordinarily protects the preceding 200 days of furnishing; retainage has the special rule in §34-28-9.

The rules

• Section 34-28-4 ordinarily requires both mailing the notice of intention by registered/certified return-receipt mail and recording its copy in the city/town land records within 200 days after the work or materials; follow all recipients and content requirements. Source
• Section 34-28-10 requires both the enforcement complaint and lis pendens within 40 days after recording the notice. File the complaint the same day as the lis pendens or within seven days afterward. Source

Deadlines

Notice/mailing/recording generally 200 days; complaint and lis pendens 40 days.

Primary sources

• 34-28-4.htm
• 34-28-10.htm

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

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