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Timing of Mechanic’s Liens in MD

In order to properly establish a mechanic’s lien in Maryland, it is important to pay attention to the timing requirements. Subcontractors must serve their notice of intent to lien on the owner within 120 days of their last work or last furnishing materials. General contractors do not have to file a notice of intent to lien as they contract directly with the owner and the owner will know whether their general contractor has been paid or not.

Both general contractors and subcontractors must enforce the lien by filing a petition to establish mechanic’s lien within 180 days of last work. The 180-day time period is from the last day of the individual claimant’s work not the date of completion of the whole project. For subcontractors, if the notice of intent to lien is filed within 120 days and the petition to establish a lien is filed within 180 days then the lien is valid. For a general contractor, if a petition to establish a lien is filed within 180 days, then the lien is valid.

 Failure to abide by these timing requirements would lead to being unable to establish a mechanic’s lien.