Montana 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 Montana, 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 Montana
90 days after last work
File within 90 days after your last services or materials, or after the homeowner files a notice of completion. The lien must certify a copy was served on each owner.
2 years after recording
Sue to foreclose within 2 years after filing the lien. Record a notice of the suit with the county clerk within 90 days after those 2 years end.
No notice needed
None. Contractors hired directly by the homeowner are exempt from the notice of right to claim a lien.
No special rule
None. The written contract rule for homes covers new construction, not remodels.
Source: MCA 71-3-531, 71-3-535, 71-3-562 (Official MCA archive, 2011 edition for 71-3-535 and 1999 for 71-3-531 (current edition URLs blocked); history shows no change since 1999)
“the person has filed a lien not later than 90 days after:”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | Jun 11, 2028 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | Oct 29, 2028 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Feb 18, 2027 | Feb 18, 2029 |
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.
Montana lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Montana?
File within 90 days after your last services or materials, or after the homeowner files a notice of completion. The lien must certify a copy was served on each owner.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Montana?
Sue to foreclose within 2 years after filing the lien. Record a notice of the suit with the county clerk within 90 days after those 2 years end.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Montana?
None. Contractors hired directly by the homeowner are exempt from the notice of right to claim a 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.