District of Columbia Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
D.C. Code § 40-301.01 et seq. — Mechanic's Liens
Lien Filing Deadline
You must file your lien within 90 days of the last day of furnishing labor or materials. Miss this deadline and you permanently lose your lien right.
Preliminary Notice Requirement
District of Columbia requires a Notice of Intent to File Lien to be served on the property owner. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: recorder of deeds
- Enforcement deadline: 180 days after filing to commence foreclosure
- Contractor license: Required for lien rights
- Bond alternative: Property owner may bond off the lien
- Small claims limit: $10,000
What Your District of Columbia Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from District of Columbia's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
D.C. Code § 40-301.01 et seq. cited by section number. The other party sees you know the law.
Deadline Calculation
90 days from your last work date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Notice Compliance
References your compliance with District of Columbia's preliminary notice requirements.
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District of Columbia Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in District of Columbia?
Under D.C. Code § 40-301.01 et seq., you have 90 days from the last day of furnishing labor or materials to file a mechanic's lien. Missing this deadline permanently forfeits your lien right.
Does District of Columbia require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. District of Columbia requires a Notice of Intent to File Lien to be served on the property owner. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, mechanic's liens are filed with the recorder of deeds. The lien must be filed within the statutory deadline of 90 days.
How long do I have to enforce a mechanic's lien in District of Columbia?
After filing the lien, you have 180 days to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under D.C. Code § 40-301.01 et seq.. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in District of Columbia?
Yes. In District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a District of Columbia-specific demand letter citing D.C. Code § 40-301.01 et seq. so the other party knows you understand your rights and the applicable deadlines.
Mechanic's Lien Demand Letters by State
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