What is the deadline to file a mechanic’s lien in Illinois?

In Illinois, a contractor who contracted with the owner must record a verified claim for lien with the county recorder, or sue to enforce the lien, within 4 months after completion to hold it against other creditors, encumbrancers or purchasers, and may record it against the owner up to 2 years after completion. A suit to enforce the lien must be commenced within two years after completion of the contract or of any extra work. On an owner-occupied single-family residence the contractor must give the owner, before the first payment, a printed notice in at least 10-point boldface type that the contractor must submit a sworn statement of everyone furnishing labor and materials before payments are required, and must give the owner written notice within 10 days after recording a lien. A subcontractor or supplier often has different notice requirements and deadlines. This is 770 ILCS 60/7, 60/9, 60/5.

WhatIllinois
Deadline to file the lien4 months after completion (2 years against owner)
Who this deadline is forA contractor hired directly by the owner

Source

770 ILCS 60/7, 60/9, 60/5

Read the statute in the Illinois Compiled Statutes (Illinois General Assembly): ilga.gov.

Checked against the statute on November 13, 2026.

This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.

How Seayora uses this rule

A contractor on Seayora keeps every job’s dates, its estimate, its invoices and its payments in one record, so the date work was last performed and the amount still owed are on file when a lien deadline is counted.

Guides on this rule

Compare this rule in every state

More Illinois rules

The same question in other states

Related