Utah Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Utah Code § 38-1a-101 et seq. — Mechanic's Liens
Lien Filing Deadline
You must file your lien within 180 days of the completion of the original contract. Miss this deadline and you permanently lose your lien right.
Preliminary Notice Requirement
Utah requires a Preliminary Notice (Utah Code § 38-1a-501) to be served on the property owner (Preliminary Notice within 20 days of commencing work) within 20 days of starting work. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: county recorder's office in the county where the property is located
- 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: $11,000
- Residential note: residential property requires preliminary notice through the state's online database
What Your Utah Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Utah's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Utah Code § 38-1a-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 Utah's preliminary notice requirements.
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Utah Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in Utah?
Under Utah Code § 38-1a-101 et seq., you have 180 days from the completion of the original contract to file a mechanic's lien. Missing this deadline permanently forfeits your lien right.
Does Utah require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. Utah requires a Preliminary Notice (Utah Code § 38-1a-501) to be served on the property owner (Preliminary Notice within 20 days of commencing work) within 20 days. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in Utah?
In Utah, mechanic's liens are filed with the county recorder's office 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 Utah?
After filing the lien, you have 180 days to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under Utah Code § 38-1a-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 Utah?
Yes. In Utah, 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 Utah?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Utah-specific demand letter citing Utah Code § 38-1a-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.