Minnesota 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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota
120 days after last work
Record the lien statement and serve the homeowner within 120 days after your last work or item supplied. Serve in person or by certified mail.
1 year after last work
Start foreclosure within 1 year after the last item listed in your recorded lien statement.
Notice in the contract
If you use subcontractors or suppliers, put the prelien notice in your written contract or deliver it within 10 days after the work is agreed. Otherwise no lien.
Check first
The notice exemption covers only buildings over 4 family units. A single-family remodel needs the notice if you use subcontractors or suppliers.
Source: Minn. Stat. 514.011, 514.08, 514.12 (Official revisor.mn.gov: 514.011 (2025 edition), 514.08 (2018 PDF, last amended 1997), 514.12 (2008 version, last amended 1995))
“ceases at the end of 120 days after doing the last of the work”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jul 11, 2026 | Mar 13, 2027 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | Jul 31, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Mar 20, 2027 | Nov 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.
Minnesota lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Minnesota?
Record the lien statement and serve the homeowner within 120 days after your last work or item supplied. Serve in person or by certified mail.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Minnesota?
Start foreclosure within 1 year after the last item listed in your recorded lien statement.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Minnesota?
If you use subcontractors or suppliers, put the prelien notice in your written contract or deliver it within 10 days after the work is agreed. Otherwise 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.