Wisconsin mechanic's liens

Who and what this applies to

Private construction liens under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 779, Subchapter I.

Thresholds and scope

The preliminary notice exceptions differ from the pre-filing notice and recording requirements.

The rules

• Section 779.02 ordinarily requires a prime contractor using subcontractors/suppliers to put the statutory notice in the written owner contract, or serve it within ten days after first work if no written contract exists. A covered non-prime claimant serves its preliminary notice within 60 days after first furnishing. Source
• Section 779.02(1) exempts specified claims from that preliminary notice, including employed laborers/mechanics, certain direct owner contracts, wholly residential improvements providing more than four family units, and partly or wholly nonresidential improvements. Those exceptions do not eliminate Section 779.06 requirements. Source
• Section 779.06 requires serving the owner with notice of intent at least 30 days before timely filing, filing the claim with the circuit-court clerk for the property’s county within six months after last furnishing, and serving the filed claim on the owner within 30 days after filing. Source
• Section 779.06 requires the enforcement action and filing of summons and complaint within two years after the lien claim is filed. Source

Deadlines

Applicable preliminary notice; 30-day pre-filing notice; six-month filing; 30-day post-filing service; two-year enforcement.

Primary sources

• 779.pdf

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

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