KY · Mechanics Lien Law
Kentucky Mechanics Lien Law: Deadlines, Notices & Filing Guide
Kentucky mechanics lien recording is governed by KRS § 376.080, while public contract fund claims fall under KRS §§ 376.210 and 376.250. Notice, recording, and foreclosure deadlines all depend on furnishing dates and contract value.
Kentucky mechanics lien deadlines at a glance
Kentucky requires preliminary notice on a sliding scale tied to contract size: 75 days after last furnishing for contracts under $1,000, and 120 days after last furnishing for contracts of $1,000 or more. Because the trigger depends on the dollar value of the contract, claimants should confirm which threshold applies before calculating their notice deadline.
A Kentucky mechanics lien must be recorded within six months of the claimant's last furnishing of labor or materials, per KRS § 376.080. That six-month window is comparatively generous, but claimants should still record as soon as nonpayment becomes clear rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
A lawsuit to enforce a recorded Kentucky mechanics lien must be commenced within 12 months of recording.
For public contract funds in Kentucky, a claimant must file a lien on those funds within 60 days of the later of the claimant's last furnishing or the project's completion. This mechanism substitutes for a lien against the public property itself, since government-owned property cannot be liened directly.
Primary statute
KRS § 376.080 · KRS § 376.210 / § 376.250
Who can file a mechanics lien in Kentucky?
Kentucky permits contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, material suppliers, and, where the statute allows, design professionals to file a lien for labor, materials, or services furnished to a project in the state.
Overview of Kentucky lien practice
Kentucky's lien framework gives claimants a relatively long six-month window to record under KRS § 376.080, but that flexibility is offset by a preliminary notice requirement that varies depending on contract size, with a 75-day deadline for smaller contracts and a 120-day deadline for contracts of $1,000 or more. Because the applicable notice period changes based on contract value, claimants should verify the dollar amount early rather than defaulting to one timeframe. Once a lien is recorded, the 12-month foreclosure deadline provides a reasonable runway to pursue enforcement, though claimants should not treat that period as unlimited. On public projects, where the underlying property cannot be liened, Kentucky substitutes a lien on public contract funds, requiring a filing within 60 days of the later of last furnishing or project completion. As in any state, correctly identifying the true owner of record, recording in the appropriate county, and tracking furnishing dates precisely all remain central to preserving lien rights in Kentucky.
Common pitfalls on Kentucky projects
Applying the wrong notice deadline
Preliminary notice timing depends on whether the contract is under or over $1,000, so using the wrong threshold can cause a missed deadline.
Waiting too long to record
Although the six-month window is longer than many states, delaying recording risks complications if the property changes hands or other liens are filed first.
Missing the public funds claim deadline
Claims against public contract funds must be filed within 60 days of the later of last furnishing or completion, a shorter window than the private lien deadline.
Kentucky mechanics lien FAQs
When must a mechanics lien be recorded in Kentucky?
Within six months of the claimant's last furnishing of labor or materials, under KRS § 376.080.
Is preliminary notice required in Kentucky?
Yes, within 75 days of last furnishing for contracts under $1,000, or within 120 days for contracts of $1,000 or more.
How long do I have to enforce a lien in Kentucky?
A foreclosure lawsuit must be commenced within 12 months of recording the lien.
What about Kentucky public projects?
Claims against public contract funds must be filed within 60 days of the later of the claimant's last furnishing or the project's completion.
Filing a Kentucky mechanics lien or bond claim?
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This page is general information and not legal advice. Statutes change — verify against the official text linked above.