Michigan Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Mich. Comp. Laws § 570.1101 et seq. — Construction Lien Act
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
Michigan requires a Notice of Furnishing (Mich. Comp. Laws § 570.1109) to be served on the property owner, general contractor, and construction lender within 20 days of starting work. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: county register of deeds 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: $6,500
- Residential note: residential structures require sworn statement within 10 days of first furnishing
What Your Michigan Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Michigan's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Mich. Comp. Laws § 570.1101 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 Michigan's preliminary notice requirements.
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Michigan Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in Michigan?
Under Mich. Comp. Laws § 570.1101 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 Michigan require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. Michigan requires a Notice of Furnishing (Mich. Comp. Laws § 570.1109) to be served on the property owner, general contractor, and construction lender within 20 days. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in Michigan?
In Michigan, mechanic's liens are filed with the county register of deeds in the county where the property is located. The lien must be filed within the statutory deadline of 90 days.
How long do I have to enforce a mechanic's lien in Michigan?
After filing the lien, you have 1 year to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under Mich. Comp. Laws § 570.1101 et seq.. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in Michigan?
Yes. In Michigan, 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 Michigan?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Michigan-specific demand letter citing Mich. Comp. Laws § 570.1101 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.