Tennessee Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 90 Days after Completion for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
90 days after completion
Record within 90 days after the project is complete or abandoned. Recording later loses priority. A homeowner's recorded notice of completion can cut this short.
1 year after completion
The lien lasts 1 year after completion or abandonment. Sue within that year to keep it.
Notice required, no lien effect
None to keep your lien. The law still requires a notice of lien rights to the homeowner before you contract or start work.
Check first
Skipping the notice of lien rights to the homeowner does not void your lien, but the law still requires it.
Source: Tenn. Code 66-11-106, 66-11-112, 66-11-143, 66-11-203, 66-11-206 (Justia mirror of 2025 Tennessee Code (official code is Lexis-hosted))
“no later than ninety (90) days after the date the improvement is complete”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | Mar 13, 2027 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | Jul 31, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Feb 18, 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.
Tennessee lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Tennessee?
Record within 90 days after the project is complete or abandoned. Recording later loses priority. A homeowner's recorded notice of completion can cut this short.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Tennessee?
The lien lasts 1 year after completion or abandonment. Sue within that year to keep it.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Tennessee?
None to keep your lien. The law still requires a notice of lien rights to the homeowner before you contract or start work.
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.