What is the deadline to file a mechanic’s lien in Washington?
In Washington, a contractor must record a notice of claim of lien in the county where the property is located no later than 90 days after it stopped furnishing labor, services, materials or equipment. A person who contracts directly with the owner need not give the notice of a right to claim a lien. But a contractor on a job for the repair, alteration or construction of four or fewer residential units of $1,000 or more must give the customer the statutory disclosure statement before starting work, and may not bring or maintain a lien claim without proving it did. The lien expires eight calendar months after recording unless an action to enforce it is filed in superior court within that time and the owner is served within 90 days of filing. A subcontractor or supplier often has different notice requirements and deadlines. This is RCW 60.04.091, 60.04.031, 18.27.114, 60.04.141.
| What | Washington |
|---|---|
| Deadline to file the lien | 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials |
| Who this deadline is for | A contractor hired directly by the owner |
Source
RCW 60.04.091, 60.04.031, 18.27.114, 60.04.141
Read the statute in the Revised Code of Washington (Washington State Legislature): app.leg.wa.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
- Mechanic’s Lien Deadlines by State: When to File — Mechanic’s lien filing deadlines in all 50 states and DC, when each clock starts, and the notice a statute requires before filing.
Compare this rule in every state
More Washington rules
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?
- How many days does a tenant get to pay late rent in Washington?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering in Washington?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent in Washington?
- Is there a grace period for paying rent in Washington?
- How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Washington?
- Can a landlord change the locks to force a tenant out in Washington?
- Does a landlord need a reason to evict a tenant in Washington?
- How long does a tenant have to respond to an eviction case in Washington?
- What are squatters’ rights in Washington?
- What are the steps to evict a tenant for unpaid rent in Washington?
- Is there rent control in Washington?
- Can a landlord refuse a Section 8 voucher in Washington?
- Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining in Washington?
- Can a tenant repair and deduct from rent in Washington?
- What happens if a tenant breaks a lease in Washington?
- Do you need a general contractor license in Washington?
- Do you need a license to do electrical work in Washington?
- Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Washington?
- Can you use a transfer-on-death deed in Washington?
- How does joint tenancy with right of survivorship work in Washington?
- Do contractors charge sales tax in Washington?
- Is a capital improvement exempt from sales tax in Washington?
- Is appliance repair taxable in Washington?
- Is contractor labor taxable in Washington?
- Every Washington rule on one page
The same question in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii