Utah mechanic's liens

Who and what this applies to

Construction liens under Title 38, Chapter 1a; preconstruction liens have separate rules.

Thresholds and scope

A preliminary notice in the State Construction Registry is required to preserve covered construction-lien rights.

The rules

• Section 38-1a-501 requires preliminary notice within 20 days after starting construction work. A late notice generally excludes work supplied before five days after filing, and has no effect if filed more than 10 days after the notice of completion. Source
• Section 38-1a-502 generally requires county recording within 180 days after final completion of the original contract, shortened to 90 days after a filed notice of completion without exceeding 180 days. A subcontractor doing substantial work after occupancy/final inspection has the separate 180-day-from-own-completion rule. Source

Deadlines

Preliminary notice 20 days; record under applicable 90/180-day rule.

Primary sources

• C38-1a-S501_2014040320140513.pdf
• C38-1a-S502_1800010118000101.pdf

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

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