Iowa 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 Iowa, 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 Iowa
90 days after last work
Post on the state lien registry within 90 days of last work. Later posts, up to 2 years 90 days, need personal service and cover only the unpaid balance.
2 years after the deadline
Sue within 2 years after the 90-day posting period ends. If the homeowner demands it, sue within 30 days or lose the lien.
Notice and registry posting
If you use subs, give the homeowner the state's bold notice with the registry web address and phone. Post a commencement notice on the registry within 10 days of starting.
Check first
For single- and two-family homes, skipping the required homeowner notice or the commencement notice means no lien. The lien covers only counties named in your posted notices.
Source: Iowa Code 572.8, 572.9, 572.10, 572.11, 572.13, 572.13A, 572.27, 572.28, 572.34(11) (Official Iowa Legislature site, Iowa Code 2026, chapter 572 PDF)
“within two years and ninety days after the date”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | Jun 11, 2028 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | Oct 29, 2028 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Feb 18, 2027 | Feb 18, 2029 |
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.
Iowa lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Iowa?
Post on the state lien registry within 90 days of last work. Later posts, up to 2 years 90 days, need personal service and cover only the unpaid balance.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Iowa?
Sue within 2 years after the 90-day posting period ends. If the homeowner demands it, sue within 30 days or lose the lien.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Iowa?
If you use subs, give the homeowner the state's bold notice with the registry web address and phone. Post a commencement notice on the registry within 10 days of starting.
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.