Louisiana Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 60 Days after Completion for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana
60 days after completion
File your lien statement within 60 days after substantial completion or abandonment. A recorded notice of termination restarts the clock. A filed notice of contract changes the periods.
1 year after recording
Sue the homeowner within 1 year after filing the lien statement, or the lien is extinguished.
Only over $100,000
None for most remodels. Over $100,000, file a notice of contract signed by you and the homeowner in the mortgage records before work starts, or you have no lien.
Check first
No special rule for your deadline. The 70-day residential extension covers subcontractors and suppliers, not you.
Source: La. R.S. 9:4801, 9:4811, 9:4822, 9:4823 (Louisiana State Legislature official site, R.S. 9:4822, 9:4811, 9:4823 (last amended Acts 2019, No. 325); LSLBC license types page)
“no later than sixty days after”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | May 12, 2027 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Sep 29, 2026 | Sep 29, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Jan 19, 2027 | Jan 19, 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.
Louisiana lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Louisiana?
File your lien statement within 60 days after substantial completion or abandonment. A recorded notice of termination restarts the clock. A filed notice of contract changes the periods.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Louisiana?
Sue the homeowner within 1 year after filing the lien statement, or the lien is extinguished.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Louisiana?
None for most remodels. Over $100,000, file a notice of contract signed by you and the homeowner in the mortgage records before work starts, or you have no 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.