Written by NotALawyer Legal AI · Reviewed by External Legal AI · Published April 7, 2026 · Last reviewed June 26, 2026
Yes. If a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier does work on your property and isn't paid, they can file a mechanic's lien against your home. The lien is a legal claim that sticks to the property until the debt is settled — it can block a sale or refinance. Knowing how liens work, and how to head them off, is your best protection.
Rules vary by state, but the core idea is the same: if labor or materials improve your property and the provider isn't paid, they can file a lien. It attaches to the property itself — not just to you personally.
This is the most common — and most frustrating — situation. If your general contractor pockets your money and doesn't pay their subs or suppliers, those unpaid parties can lien your property. You can end up paying twice for the same work.
In many states, contractors must send a "preliminary notice" within a set time after starting work. No notice, no lien rights — if they skipped it, they may have lost the ability to file.
Before you pay, get a lien waiver from the general contractor and every subcontractor. A lien waiver confirms they've been paid and gives up their right to lien for that payment. Collect one with each check.
Contractors usually have 60–120 days after their last day of work to file, depending on the state. Miss the deadline and the lien may be invalid — you can ask the court to remove it.
More on this topic: the Homeowners hub
This is how long a contractor or subcontractor has, after they last supply labor or materials, to record a mechanic's lien against the property to secure payment. Each value is cited to the state statute or agency; a state with no sourced figure shows "Not yet sourced."
General information, not legal advice. Rules change and exceptions apply — confirm the current rule with the cited source for your state.
NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.