Ohio Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 60 Days after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Ohio, 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 Ohio
60 days after last work
For a one- or two-family home or condo, file within 60 days of last labor or materials, 75 for other property. Serve the homeowner within 30 days of filing.
6 years after recording
The lien lasts 6 years after filing. If the homeowner gives notice to sue, you must sue within 60 days or the lien is void.
No notice needed
None. The notice of commencement is the homeowner's filing and generally not required on home construction.
Check first
On a home the owner lives in, all liens together can't exceed what the homeowner still owes you. If the homeowner paid you in full before getting your lien, there is no lien.
Source: R.C. 1311.011, 1311.04, 1311.06, 1311.07, 1311.11, 1311.13 (Official Ohio Revised Code site: 1311.06 authenticated (eff. 1/30/2014), 1311.13 (eff. 3/30/2007), chapter 1311 page)
“within sixty days from the date on which the last labor or work”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | May 12, 2032 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Sep 29, 2026 | Sep 29, 2032 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Jan 19, 2027 | Jan 19, 2033 |
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.
Ohio lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Ohio?
For a one- or two-family home or condo, file within 60 days of last labor or materials, 75 for other property. Serve the homeowner within 30 days of filing.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Ohio?
The lien lasts 6 years after filing. If the homeowner gives notice to sue, you must sue within 60 days or the lien is void.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Ohio?
None. The notice of commencement is the homeowner's filing and generally not required on home construction.
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.