Maryland Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 180 Days after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Maryland, 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 Maryland
180 days after last work
File a petition to establish the lien in circuit court within 180 days after you finish work or supply materials. The court then issues a show-cause order.
1 year after recording
File a petition to enforce the lien within 1 year after filing the petition to establish it.
No notice needed
None. The 120-day notice to the homeowner applies only to subcontractors.
Check first
Repairs or improvements are lienable only if the work is at least 15 percent of the building's value. No lien if a good faith buyer took title first.
Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. 9-102, 9-105, 9-109 (Official Maryland General Assembly statute PDFs, 2026 RS edition, 9-102 and 9-105)
“within 180 days after the work has been finished”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Sep 9, 2026 | Sep 9, 2027 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Jan 27, 2027 | Jan 27, 2028 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | May 19, 2027 | May 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.
Maryland lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Maryland?
File a petition to establish the lien in circuit court within 180 days after you finish work or supply materials. The court then issues a show-cause order.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Maryland?
File a petition to enforce the lien within 1 year after filing the petition to establish it.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Maryland?
None. The 120-day notice to the homeowner applies only to subcontractors.
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.