Maryland Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Md. Code, Real Prop. § 9-101 et seq. — Mechanic's Liens
Lien Filing Deadline
You must file your lien within 180 days of the last day of furnishing work or materials. Miss this deadline and you permanently lose your lien right.
Preliminary Notice Requirement
Maryland requires a Notice of Mechanic's Lien to be served on the property owner (subcontractors must provide notice within 120 days of completion) within 120 days of starting work. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: circuit court clerk in the county where the property is located
- Enforcement deadline: 1 year after filing to commence foreclosure
- Contractor license: Required for lien rights
- Bond alternative: Property owner may bond off the lien
- Small claims limit: $5,000
- Residential note: residential property of 4 or fewer units requires additional notice
What Your Maryland Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Maryland's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Md. Code, Real Prop. § 9-101 et seq. cited by section number. The other party sees you know the law.
Deadline Calculation
180 days from your last work date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Notice Compliance
References your compliance with Maryland's preliminary notice requirements.
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Maryland Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in Maryland?
Under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 9-101 et seq., you have 180 days from the last day of furnishing work or materials to file a mechanic's lien. Missing this deadline permanently forfeits your lien right.
Does Maryland require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. Maryland requires a Notice of Mechanic's Lien to be served on the property owner (subcontractors must provide notice within 120 days of completion) within 120 days. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in Maryland?
In Maryland, mechanic's liens are filed with the circuit court clerk in the county where the property is located. The lien must be filed within the statutory deadline of 180 days.
How long do I have to enforce a mechanic's lien in Maryland?
After filing the lien, you have 1 year to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 9-101 et seq.. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in Maryland?
Yes. In Maryland, 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 Maryland?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Maryland-specific demand letter citing Md. Code, Real Prop. § 9-101 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.