Michigan 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan
90 days after last work
Record within 90 days after you last supply labor or materials. Serve the homeowner or their designee within 15 days after recording.
1 year after recording
Sue to foreclose within 1 year after recording. You must show you gave a sworn statement if one was required.
Written contract required
None. A residential lien needs a written contract stating licensing requirements and, if licensed, your license number.
Check first
The homeowner recovery fund was repealed in 2010. If you were unlicensed, the homeowner can sue to discharge your lien and recover costs and attorney fees. Residential liens need a written contract with a license statement and number. Unlicensed liens can be discharged.
Source: MCL 570.1110, 570.1111, 570.1114, 570.1114a, 570.1117, 570.1118a (Official Michigan Legislature MCL PDFs, complete through PA 114 of 2026)
“within 90 days after the lien claimant's last furnishing of labor or material”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | Jun 11, 2027 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | Oct 29, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Feb 18, 2027 | Feb 18, 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.
Also check
- Residential liens need a written contract with a license statement and number. Unlicensed liens can be discharged.
Michigan lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Michigan?
Record within 90 days after you last supply labor or materials. Serve the homeowner or their designee within 15 days after recording.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Michigan?
Sue to foreclose within 1 year after recording. You must show you gave a sworn statement if one was required.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Michigan?
None. A residential lien needs a written contract stating licensing requirements and, if licensed, your license number.
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.