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Alabama Mechanics Lien Guide & FAQs

Last updated February 27, 2024
If contractors and suppliers don’t get paid on a construction project in Alabama, they can file a mechanics lien to secure payment. A mechanics lien is a legal tool that provides the unpaid party with a security interest in the property. This page breaks down the rules, requirements, and deadlines you need to follow to file an Alabama mechanics lien.

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Alabama lien deadlines for:

Preliminary notice deadlines

None.

Send Your Notice
Mechanics lien deadlines
6 Months

Must be filed within 6 months after the last item of work or labor has been performed. Suit to commence / enforce lien is due 6 months after debt becomes due.

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Enforcement deadlines
6 Months

An action to enforce a mechanics lien in Alabama must be filed within 6 months after the debt becomes due (the amount becoming due is defined as the date the last item of work or labor has been performed). This is the same deadline as the time in which a GC must file the lien itself.

Preliminary notice deadlines

If there is not direct contract with owner, a Notice of Unpaid Lien must be provided to owner before a claimant may file a lien.

While not necessarily required, sending a Notice to Owner will provide Alabama claimants greater protection. Alabama law does not specify how long prior to performance a Notice to Owner must be sent. However, for those supplying materials only, providing a Notice to Owner prior to supplying any materials may work to obtain the same lien rights as a general contractor.

Send Your Notice
Mechanics lien deadlines
120 Days

Must be filed 4 months after last providing materials or labor. Laborers must file within 30 days after last providing labor. Suit to commence / enforce due 6 months after debt becomes due.

File A Lien Fast
Enforcement deadlines
6 Months

An action to enforce a mechanics lien in Alabama must be filed within 6 months after the debt becomes due (the amount becoming due is defined as the date the last item of work or labor has been performed).

Preliminary notice deadlines

If there is not direct contract with owner, a Notice of Unpaid Lien must be provided to the owner before filing for lien. If a supplier of materials only, may provide Notice to Owner prior to supplying materials to obtain the same lien rights as a general contractor.

Send Your Notice
Mechanics lien deadlines
120 Days

Must be filed 4 months after last providing materials or labor. Suit to commence / enforce due 6 months after debt becomes due.

File A Lien Fast
Enforcement deadlines
6 Months

An action to enforce a mechanics lien in Alabama must be filed within 6 months after the debt becomes due (the amount becoming due is defined as the date the last item of work or labor has been performed).