CT · Mechanics Lien Law
Connecticut Mechanics Lien Law: Deadlines, Notices & Filing Guide
Connecticut mechanics lien practice is governed by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 49-34 for private work and §§ 49-41a and 49-42 for public projects. The 90-day recording deadline and its companion sub-tier notice both run from last furnishing, so early tracking matters.
Connecticut mechanics lien deadlines at a glance
Connecticut does not require a separate preliminary notice on private projects. However, sub-tier claimants must serve a Notice of Intent to Claim a Mechanics Lien within the same 90-day window that governs recording, so that notice functions as a practical precondition for those claimants.
A Connecticut mechanics lien certificate must be recorded with the town clerk within 90 days after the claimant last furnished labor or materials, under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 49-34. A copy of the certificate must also be served on the owner within 30 days of recording.
An action to foreclose the lien must be commenced within one year after the lien is recorded.
On Connecticut public projects, a claimant must serve written notice of claim on the payment bond within 180 days of last furnishing labor or materials. For amounts attributable to retainage specifically, that notice window extends to 210 days.
Primary statute
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 49-34 · Conn. Gen. Stat. § 49-41a / § 49-42
Who can file a mechanics lien in Connecticut?
Connecticut lien rights are available to general contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, material suppliers, and design professionals where the statute permits, provided they furnished labor, materials, or services to the improvement.
Overview of Connecticut lien practice
Connecticut's 90-day recording window is short by national standards, and the state layers an additional requirement on top of it for sub-tier claimants, who must serve a Notice of Intent to Claim a Mechanics Lien within that same 90-day period to protect their position. Once the certificate is recorded with the town clerk, a copy must reach the owner within 30 days, a step that is easy to overlook amid the rush to meet the recording deadline itself. Foreclosure must follow within one year of recording, giving Connecticut claimants somewhat more breathing room than some other states allow for that stage. Public projects run on separate bond-claim timelines, with a standard 180-day notice window that stretches to 210 days for retainage-related claims. As elsewhere, confirming the correct town clerk's office, the accurate owner of record, and the fact that federal property cannot be liened remain baseline diligence steps for any Connecticut claimant.
Common pitfalls on Connecticut projects
Owner service deadline after recording
A copy of the recorded certificate must be served on the owner within 30 days of recording.
Sub-tier notice shares the 90-day clock
Sub-tier claimants must serve their Notice of Intent within the same 90-day window used for recording the lien itself.
Retainage claims get extra time on bonds
Public-project bond claims tied to retainage have a 210-day notice window rather than the standard 180 days.
Connecticut mechanics lien FAQs
When must a mechanics lien be recorded in Connecticut?
Within 90 days after the claimant last furnished labor or materials, with the certificate recorded at the town clerk's office.
Is preliminary notice required in Connecticut?
Not as a standalone preliminary notice, but sub-tier claimants must serve a Notice of Intent to Claim a Mechanics Lien within the same 90-day period.
How long do I have to enforce a lien in Connecticut?
An action to foreclose must be commenced within one year after the lien is recorded.
What about Connecticut public projects?
Bond claim notice is generally due within 180 days of last furnishing, extending to 210 days for retainage-related claims.
Filing a Connecticut mechanics lien or bond claim?
My Lien Lawyer coordinates mechanics lien filings, bond claims, and construction collections in Connecticut — directly or through our vetted local-counsel network. The first call is free.
Not sure whether a service bureau is enough? See why a law firm matters.
This page is general information and not legal advice. Statutes change — verify against the official text linked above.