Tennessee Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Tenn. Code § 66-11-101 et seq. — Mechanic's and Materialmen's Liens
Lien Filing Deadline
You must file your lien within 90 days of the completion of the improvement or last day of furnishing materials. Miss this deadline and you permanently lose your lien right.
Preliminary Notice Requirement
Tennessee requires a Notice of Lien to be served on the property owner (Notice of Lien must be sent within 90 days of completion for remote subs) within 90 days of starting work. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: 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: $25,000
- Residential note: residential property requires Notice of Nonpayment before lien filing
What Your Tennessee Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Tennessee's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Tenn. Code § 66-11-101 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 Tennessee's preliminary notice requirements.
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Tennessee Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in Tennessee?
Under Tenn. Code § 66-11-101 et seq., you have 90 days from the completion of the improvement or last day of furnishing materials to file a mechanic's lien. Missing this deadline permanently forfeits your lien right.
Does Tennessee require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. Tennessee requires a Notice of Lien to be served on the property owner (Notice of Lien must be sent within 90 days of completion for remote subs) within 90 days. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, mechanic's liens are filed with the 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 Tennessee?
After filing the lien, you have 1 year to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under Tenn. Code § 66-11-101 et seq.. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in Tennessee?
Yes. In Tennessee, 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 Tennessee?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Tennessee-specific demand letter citing Tenn. Code § 66-11-101 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.