Arizona Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-981 et seq. — Mechanic's and Materialmen's Liens
Lien Filing Deadline
You must file your lien within 120 days of the completion of the building, structure, or improvement. Miss this deadline and you permanently lose your lien right.
Preliminary Notice Requirement
Arizona requires a Preliminary 20-Day Notice to be served on the property owner and general contractor within 20 days of starting work. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: county recorder's office in the county where the property is located
- Enforcement deadline: 6 months after filing to commence foreclosure
- Contractor license: Required for lien rights
- Bond alternative: Property owner may bond off the lien
- Small claims limit: $3,500
- Residential note: owner-occupied residential property requires preliminary notice compliance
What Your Arizona Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Arizona's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-981 et seq. cited by section number. The other party sees you know the law.
Deadline Calculation
120 days from your last work date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Notice Compliance
References your compliance with Arizona's preliminary notice requirements.
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Arizona Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in Arizona?
Under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-981 et seq., you have 120 days from the completion of the building, structure, or improvement to file a mechanic's lien. Missing this deadline permanently forfeits your lien right.
Does Arizona require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. Arizona requires a Preliminary 20-Day Notice to be served on the property owner and general contractor within 20 days. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in Arizona?
In Arizona, mechanic's liens are filed with the county recorder's office in the county where the property is located. The lien must be filed within the statutory deadline of 120 days.
How long do I have to enforce a mechanic's lien in Arizona?
After filing the lien, you have 6 months to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-981 et seq.. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in Arizona?
Yes. In Arizona, a property owner can post a surety bond to "bond off" the mechanic's lien from the property. The lien then attaches to the bond instead of the property, allowing the owner to sell or refinance.
Do I need a lawyer to send a lien demand letter in Arizona?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Arizona-specific demand letter citing Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-981 et seq. so the other party knows you understand your rights and the applicable deadlines.
Mechanic's Lien Demand Letters by State
Select your state to see lien deadlines and generate your letter.