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

In Pennsylvania, a contractor who contracted with the owner must file the lien claim with the prothonotary within six months after completing the work and serve written notice of the filing on the owner within one month after filing. No advance notice is required of a contractor who dealt directly with the owner; the 30-day formal notice of intention to file a claim applies to subcontractors. An action to obtain judgment on the claim must be commenced within two years from the date of filing unless the owner extends the time in writing. A subcontractor or supplier often has different notice requirements and deadlines. This is 49 P.S. §§ 1501, 1502, 1701.

WhatPennsylvania
Deadline to file the lien6 months after completion of the work
Who this deadline is forA contractor hired directly by the owner

Source

49 P.S. §§ 1501, 1502, 1701

Read the statute in the Pennsylvania Statutes (Pennsylvania General Assembly): palegis.us.

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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