Vermont Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 180 Days after Payment Due for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Vermont, 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 Vermont
180 days after payment due
Record a written memorandum with the town clerk within 180 days after payment came due for your last labor or materials.
180 days after recording
Sue and attach the property within 180 days after recording, or after payment comes due if later.
No notice needed
None. The written notice to the homeowner applies only to subcontractors and suppliers.
Check first
Lien rights cannot be waived in advance. Oral contracts qualify.
Source: 9 V.S.A. 1921, 1923, 1924 (Official Vermont statutes site, 9 V.S.A. ch. 51, includes 2026 session actions)
“180 days from the time when payment became due for the last”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Sep 9, 2026 | Mar 8, 2027 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Jan 27, 2027 | Jul 26, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | May 19, 2027 | Nov 15, 2027 |
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.
Vermont lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Vermont?
Record a written memorandum with the town clerk within 180 days after payment came due for your last labor or materials.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Vermont?
Sue and attach the property within 180 days after recording, or after payment comes due if later.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Vermont?
None. The written notice to the homeowner applies only to subcontractors and suppliers.
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.