Georgia Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 90 Days after Completion for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Georgia, 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 Georgia
90 days after completion
File within 90 days after the work is complete. Mail the homeowner a copy within 2 business days. The claim must state the homeowner's right to contest it.
365 days after recording
Sue within 365 days after filing the claim. Then file a notice of the lawsuit with the clerk within 30 days.
No notice needed
None. An optional notice of lien rights is allowed but not needed to enforce your lien.
No special rule
None If the work needs a state residential or general contractor license and you lack one, you can't enforce the contract.
Source: O.C.G.A. 44-14-361.1, 44-14-361.3, 44-14-361.5, 44-14-367 (FindLaw mirror of O.C.G.A. 44-14-361.1 (current as of March 28, 2024); Justia 2024/2025 for 44-14-361.3)
“within 90 days after the completion of the work”
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.
Also check
- If the work needs a state residential or general contractor license and you lack one, you can't enforce the contract.
Georgia lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Georgia?
File within 90 days after the work is complete. Mail the homeowner a copy within 2 business days. The claim must state the homeowner's right to contest it.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Georgia?
Sue within 365 days after filing the claim. Then file a notice of the lawsuit with the clerk within 30 days.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Georgia?
None. An optional notice of lien rights is allowed but not needed to enforce your lien.
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.