Notice of intent to file a mechanics lien
By Justin Winter · Updated August 22, 2026
You can send a mechanics lien notice of intent online in about two minutes: we typeset your letter and mail it USPS Certified with electronic Return Receipt for $14.99 all-in, giving you dated, signed proof the property owner received formal notice before you record a lien.
How it works
- Open the template and fill in the bracketed fields with your specific details.
- Confirm the recipient's address.
- Pay $14.99 — we print the next business day and email you the tracking number.
- Your document file is permanently deleted 30 days after delivery.
This is a template, not legal advice — requirements and available remedies vary by state and by your specific situation, so confirm the details that matter for your case before sending.
Common questions
Why send this by certified mail instead of just filing the lien?
Many states require a contractor to give the property owner written pre-lien notice, and some require proof it was actually received, before a lien is valid or before certain remedies (like attorney's fees) are available. A signed delivery record protects you if the filing or a later lawsuit is challenged.
How is this different from a subcontractor lien notice?
This letter is for a contractor who worked directly for the property owner. A subcontractor or supplier who worked for the general contractor, not the owner directly, typically needs a different notice (a preliminary notice or notice to owner) — see our subcontractor lien notice template instead.
Is this legal advice?
No — it is a template, not legal advice. Mechanics lien rights are entirely creatures of state law: notice deadlines, required content, who must be notified, and filing deadlines vary widely by state and even by project type (residential vs. commercial). Confirm your state's specific requirements, ideally with a construction attorney, before relying on this notice or filing a lien.
What if I'm not paid after sending this notice?
If the deadline in your letter passes without payment, your next steps are typically recording the lien with the county recorder where the property sits and, if it still goes unpaid, filing a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien within your state's deadline — act promptly, as lien and foreclosure deadlines are usually strict and unforgiving.