New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire
120 days after last work
Your lien arises automatically and lasts 120 days after your work. Nothing is recorded. Secure it by court attachment within those 120 days.
120 days after last work
Sue and get a court-approved attachment of the property within 120 days after your work.
No notice needed
None. No early notice applies when the homeowner hired you directly.
No special rule
None
Source: RSA 447:2, 447:9, 447:10 (Official NH General Court RSA pages, chapter 447; latest amendment shown 2019)
“shall continue for 120 days after the 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.
New Hampshire lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in New Hampshire?
Your lien arises automatically and lasts 120 days after your work. Nothing is recorded. Secure it by court attachment within those 120 days.
How long does a mechanics lien last in New Hampshire?
Sue and get a court-approved attachment of the property within 120 days after your work.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in New Hampshire?
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.