Subcontractor preliminary lien notice / notice of intent to lien
By Justin Winter · Updated August 22, 2026
You can send a preliminary lien notice online in about two minutes: we typeset your letter, print it, and mail it USPS Certified with electronic Return Receipt (proof the owner or GC received it) for $14.99 all-in — the kind of delivery record that matters if you later have to file an actual mechanics 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 a preliminary notice by certified mail?
Many states require proof that a preliminary notice or notice of intent to lien was actually delivered before a mechanics lien can be enforced. Certified Mail with electronic Return Receipt gives you a dated, signed delivery record you can keep with your file.
Who should this notice go to?
Typically the property owner and/or the general contractor, depending on your state's lien statute and your position in the contracting chain. Some states also require notice to the construction lender.
Does sending this letter file a lien?
No. This is a preliminary notice or notice of intent, often a required or recommended step before filing an actual mechanics lien with the county. It gives the owner or GC a chance to pay before the lien is recorded.
Is this legal advice?
No — this is a template, not legal advice. Mechanics lien law is highly state- and sometimes county-specific, including notice deadlines, required recipients, and required language. Confirm your state's requirements or consult a construction attorney before sending, especially if a lien filing may follow.