Colorado Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 4 Months after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Colorado, 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 Colorado
4 months after last work
File within 4 months after your last labor or materials. If work is abandoned for 3 months, that counts as completion.
6 months after last work
Sue and record notice of the lawsuit within 6 months after your last work or completion of the project. This clock does not start at filing.
No notice needed
None. You owe the homeowner no notice before or during the job. Serve the homeowner a notice of intent to lien at least 10 days before filing.
Check first
A homeowner living there who paid you in full can defeat liens by your subcontractors and suppliers. There is no extra rule for you.
Source: C.R.S. 38-22-109, 38-22-110 (public.law mirror of C.R.S., current through Fall 2025)
“before the expiration of four months”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jul 13, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Mar 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
- Before you file: Serve the homeowner a notice of intent to lien at least 10 days before filing.
Colorado lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Colorado?
File within 4 months after your last labor or materials. If work is abandoned for 3 months, that counts as completion.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Colorado?
Sue and record notice of the lawsuit within 6 months after your last work or completion of the project. This clock does not start at filing.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Colorado?
None. You owe the homeowner no notice before or during the job. Serve the homeowner a notice of intent to lien at least 10 days before filing.
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.