Vermont mechanic's liens

Who and what this applies to

Contractors and persons supplying labor/materials under an owner, agent, contractor or subcontractor agreement to improve real property.

Thresholds and scope

Indirect claimants must give written notice to the owner/authorized agent; their lien extends to unpaid contract funds when notice is received.

The rules

• A claimant without a direct owner contract gives the owner written notice claiming a lien, including the payment due date if known. The lien reaches the unpaid portion of the contract price when notice arrives. Source
• Record the signed lien memorandum in the town clerk's office where the property lies within 180 days from when payment became due for the last labor/materials. Advance lien waivers are unenforceable. Source
• Commence the enforcement action and cause the property to be attached within 180 days after filing if payment was then due; otherwise within 180 days after payment becomes due. Source

Deadlines

Recording: 180 days from payment becoming due for the last labor/materials. Enforcement and attachment: 180 days from filing or later payment-due date as specified.

Primary sources

• 01921
• 01924

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

Back to Vermont contractor law · Mechanic's Liens topic guide.