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

In Maine, a contractor who contracted with the owner does not have to record a lien claim, but must preserve and enforce the lien by filing a court action within 120 days after the last labor, materials or services were furnished. The sworn lien statement that must be filed with the register of deeds within 90 days, with a copy mailed to the owner, is required only of claimants who did not contract with the owner. A bona fide purchaser for value takes title free of the lien unless, before the purchaser takes title, the claimant has filed a notice of the claim with the register of deeds and, if suit has begun, given the further notice the statute requires. A subcontractor or supplier often has different notice requirements and deadlines. This is 10 M.R.S. §§ 3251, 3253, 3255.

WhatMaine
Deadline to file the lienNo recording; sue within 120 days after last work
Who this deadline is forA contractor hired directly by the owner

Source

10 M.R.S. §§ 3251, 3253, 3255

Read the statute in the Maine Revised Statutes (Maine Legislature): legislature.maine.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.

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