Alaska Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 120 Days after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Alaska, 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 Alaska
120 days after last work
Record within 120 days after finishing the contract or last supplying labor or materials. A recorded notice of completion from the homeowner can cut this to 15 days after it.
6 months after recording
The lien stops binding the property 6 months after you record it unless you sue or record an extension notice within that time.
No notice needed
None. An optional notice of right to lien, recorded and given to the homeowner, keeps your 120 days if the homeowner records a completion notice.
No special rule
None If you weren't a registered contractor when you signed, you can't sue to collect for the work.
Source: AS 34.35.064, 34.35.068, 34.35.080 (FindLaw mirror of Alaska Statutes, stated current as of Jan 1, 2025; uslegal reproduction for 34.35.064 and 34.35.080)
“shall be recorded not later than 120 days after the claimant”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jul 11, 2026 | Jan 11, 2027 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | May 28, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Mar 20, 2027 | Sep 20, 2027 |
Suit dates assume you record the lien on its last day; record earlier and a suit deadline that runs from recording comes earlier. Dates are calendar arithmetic and aren't moved off weekends or holidays.
Also check
- If you weren't a registered contractor when you signed, you can't sue to collect for the work.
Alaska lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Alaska?
Record within 120 days after finishing the contract or last supplying labor or materials. A recorded notice of completion from the homeowner can cut this to 15 days after it.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Alaska?
The lien stops binding the property 6 months after you record it unless you sue or record an extension notice within that time.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Alaska?
None. An optional notice of right to lien, recorded and given to the homeowner, keeps your 120 days if the homeowner records a completion notice.
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.