North Dakota Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
N.D. Cent. Code § 35-27-01 et seq. — Construction 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
North Dakota requires a Pre-Lien Notice to be served on the property owner (pre-lien notice at least 40 days before filing) within 40 days of starting work. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: recorder's office in the county where the property is located
- Enforcement deadline: 3 years after filing to commence foreclosure
- Contractor license: Required for lien rights
- Bond alternative: Property owner may bond off the lien
- Small claims limit: $15,000
What Your North Dakota Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from North Dakota's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
N.D. Cent. Code § 35-27-01 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 North Dakota's preliminary notice requirements.
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North Dakota Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in North Dakota?
Under N.D. Cent. Code § 35-27-01 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 North Dakota require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. North Dakota requires a Pre-Lien Notice to be served on the property owner (pre-lien notice at least 40 days before filing) within 40 days. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, mechanic's liens are filed with the recorder's office 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 North Dakota?
After filing the lien, you have 3 years to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under N.D. Cent. Code § 35-27-01 et seq.. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in North Dakota?
Yes. In North Dakota, 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 North Dakota?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a North Dakota-specific demand letter citing N.D. Cent. Code § 35-27-01 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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