West Virginia Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 100 Days after Completion for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia
100 days after completion
Record notice of lien with the county clerk within 100 days after you complete your work.
6 months after recording
Sue in circuit court within 6 months after recording, or the lien is discharged.
No notice needed
None. No early notice applies to a general contractor.
Check first
The owner of an existing or owner-occupied single-family home can defend by showing they owe you nothing or less than claimed.
Source: W. Va. Code 38-2-7, 38-2-8, 38-2-21, 38-2-34 (Official WV Legislature code site, current text (38-2-8 last amended 2002; 38-2-34 in 2015))
“within one hundred days after the completion of his work”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jun 21, 2026 | Dec 21, 2026 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | May 8, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | Aug 28, 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.
West Virginia lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in West Virginia?
Record notice of lien with the county clerk within 100 days after you complete your work.
How long does a mechanics lien last in West Virginia?
Sue in circuit court within 6 months after recording, or the lien is discharged.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in West Virginia?
None. No early notice applies to a general contractor.
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.