Connecticut Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 90 Days after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Connecticut, 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 Connecticut
90 days after last work
Record the lien with the town clerk within 90 days after you stop work. Then serve the homeowner a copy within 30 days of recording.
1 year after recording
Start foreclosure and record notice of the lawsuit within 1 year of recording, or within 60 days after a court rules on a challenge to the lien, whichever is later.
Compliant contract required
None. Your contract must still follow the state Home Improvement Act.
Check first
Home improvement work needs state registration and a signed written contract that meets the Home Improvement Act. If your contract falls short, courts have refused to foreclose your lien unless the homeowner acted in bad faith.
Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. 49-33, 49-34, 49-39 (Justia mirror of 2025 Connecticut General Statutes, ch. 847; CGA OLR report 2006-R-0063)
“within ninety days after he has ceased to do so”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | Jun 11, 2027 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | Oct 29, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Feb 18, 2027 | Feb 18, 2028 |
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.
Connecticut lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Connecticut?
Record the lien with the town clerk within 90 days after you stop work. Then serve the homeowner a copy within 30 days of recording.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Connecticut?
Start foreclosure and record notice of the lawsuit within 1 year of recording, or within 60 days after a court rules on a challenge to the lien, whichever is later.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Connecticut?
None. Your contract must still follow the state Home Improvement Act.
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.