Claiming a Mechanic's Lien in Michigan

A mechanic's lien (sometimes called a construction or contractor's lien) is a remedy available to contractors, subcontractors, laborers, and material suppliers to help recover money due, but unpaid, for services or materials on a construction job. In many ways, a lien is a property interest like a mortgage. In Michigan, the Construction Lien Act (Act 497 of 1980) governs the procedure for obtaining this kind of lien.

In order to preserve the right of a contractor, subcontractor, laborer, or supplier to a construction lien, the contractor (or other claimant) must record a claim of lien within 90 days after the last furnishing of labor or material for the improvement, in the office of the register of deeds for each county where the real property to which the improvement was made is located. M.C.L. 570.1111(1).

A claim of lien is valid only as to the real property described in the claim of lien and located within the county where the claim of lien has been recorded. Id. It must contain the following information: (1) the date of first furnishing; (2) lien claimant's name; (3) name of person contracted with; (4) description of the subject property; (5) owner's name; (6) date of final furnishing; and (7) contract and payment amounts (if contractor) or hourly rate and sum due (if laborer). M.C.L. 570.1111(2). Attach proof of service of a Notice of Furnishing to a lien claim filed by a subcontractor, supplier, or laborer. M.C.L. 570.1111(5).

The lien claim must also be served after recording. Service refers to giving all interested parties notice of the action and an opportunity to be heard. Each contractor, subcontractor, supplier, laborer, or agent of a group of laborers who record a claim of lien must, within 15 days after the date of the recording, serve on the designee personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the address shown on the notice of commencement, a copy of the claim of lien and a copy of any proof of service recorded in connection with the claim of lien. Id.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of an attorney. If you have any questions about filing a claim of lien, or any other issues involving mechanic's liens, please consult with a Michigan-licensed attorney.

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Claim of Lien

Protect payment rights for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work
Provide notice of intent to file a lien for unpaid work
Notify a property owner of unpaid construction debts
Document consent of the property owner for improvements
File a lien for unpaid construction or renovation work

Compare other Michigan deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Lady Bird Quitclaim Deed Gift Deed Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Correction Deed Easement Deed Termination of Easement Warranty Deed with Enhanced Life Estate Mortgage Secured by Promissory Note Mortgage Subordination Assignment of Mortgage Discharge of Mortgage Partial Discharge of Mortgage Assignment of Leases and Rents Discharge of Assignment of Leases and Rents Land Contract Memorandum of Land Contract Full Discharge of Memorandum of Contract Durable Power of Attorney Power of Attorney - Seller Power of Attorney - Borrower/Buyer Mineral Deed Mineral Deed with Quitclaim Covenants Personal Representative Deed Notice of Commencement Notice of Furnishing Sworn Statement of Account Partial Conditional Waiver of Lien Partial Unconditional Waiver of Lien Full Conditional Waiver of Lien Full Unconditional Waiver of Lien Discharge of Lien Disclaimer of Interest Certificate of Trust MCL 700.7913 Lis Pendens Lis Pendens Release

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our claim of lien forms are specifically formatted for each county in Michigan.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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