Alabama Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 6 Months after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Alabama, what notice comes first, and the deadline to sue, worked on three dates.
Not legal advice. General information from each state's lien statute, checked Oct 29, 2026, for a contractor hired directly by the owner of an existing home. Dates are calendar arithmetic; some states move a deadline that lands on a weekend or holiday and some don't, and a recorded notice of completion or commencement can change the clock. Before you rely on a date, check with a construction attorney in your state.
The rule in Alabama
6 months after last work
File a sworn lien statement in the probate court within 6 months after your last work or materials.
6 months after payment due
Sue within 6 months after the full amount you are owed falls due.
No notice needed
None. No early notice applies when the homeowner hired you directly.
No special rule
None Remodels over $10,000 need a state home builder license. Without it, you can't sue to enforce the contract.
Source: Ala. Code 35-11-210, 35-11-213, 35-11-215, 35-11-221 (Justia mirror of 2025 Code of Alabama (official ALISON code search not fetchable))
“shall be filed by every original contractor within six months”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | May 20, 2027 | May 20, 2027 |
The suit deadline runs from the last day of work, not from when you record. Dates are calendar arithmetic and aren't moved off weekends or holidays.
Also check
- Remodels over $10,000 need a state home builder license. Without it, you can't sue to enforce the contract.
Alabama lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Alabama?
File a sworn lien statement in the probate court within 6 months after your last work or materials.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Alabama?
Sue within 6 months after the full amount you are owed falls due.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Alabama?
None. No early notice applies when the homeowner hired you directly.
Compare other states
How we checked
We read each state's mechanics lien statute on the legislature's site, for a contractor hired directly by the homeowner on an existing home. Two independent research passes covered all 50 states and DC, and a third reviewer checked the result. Where a state's own site would not load, the row names the copy we read. Last checked .
This guide explains the general rule. It is not legal advice.