Maine Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 120 Days after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Maine, 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 Maine
120 days after last work
You do not need to record a lien statement. You keep the lien only by suing within 120 days after your last labor, services, or materials.
120 days after last work
Sue within 120 days after your last labor, services, or materials.
No notice needed
None. No early notice applies when the homeowner hired you directly.
No special rule
None for your lien. A home construction contract over $3,000 must be in writing.
Source: 10 M.R.S. 3253, 3255 (Official Maine Revised Statutes site, 10 M.R.S. 3253 and 3255, history through RR 2023)
“within 120 days after the last of the labor or services are performed”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jul 11, 2026 | Jul 11, 2026 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Mar 20, 2027 | Mar 20, 2027 |
The suit deadline runs from the last day of work, not from when you record. Dates are calendar arithmetic and aren't moved off weekends or holidays.
Maine lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Maine?
You do not need to record a lien statement. You keep the lien only by suing within 120 days after your last labor, services, or materials.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Maine?
Sue within 120 days after your last labor, services, or materials.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Maine?
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.