Kentucky Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 6 Months after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky
6 months after last work
File with the county clerk within 6 months after your last labor or materials. Mail the homeowner a copy within 7 days of filing or the lien dissolves.
12 months after recording
Sue to enforce within 12 months after filing.
No notice needed
None. No early notice applies when the homeowner hired you directly.
Check first
On owner-occupied one- or two-family homes, only claimants not hired by the homeowner must give a 75-day notice. You have no extra duty.
Source: KRS 376.010, 376.080, 376.090 (Justia mirror of 2025 KRS 376.080 and 376.010; official KRS site for 376.090 (eff. 1942))
“within six (6) months after he ceases to labor or furnish materials”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | Sep 13, 2027 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | Jan 31, 2028 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | May 20, 2027 | May 20, 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.
Kentucky lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Kentucky?
File with the county clerk within 6 months after your last labor or materials. Mail the homeowner a copy within 7 days of filing or the lien dissolves.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Kentucky?
Sue to enforce within 12 months after filing.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Kentucky?
None. No early notice applies when the homeowner hired you directly.
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.