Virginia Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Va. Code § 43-1 et seq. — Mechanic's Liens
Lien Filing Deadline
You must file your lien within 90 days of the last day of performing labor or furnishing materials. Miss this deadline and you permanently lose your lien right.
Preliminary Notice Requirement
Virginia requires a Notice of Mechanic's Lien to be served on the property owner (Notice of Mechanic's Lien within 30 days of completion for residential) within 30 days of starting work. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: clerk of circuit court in the jurisdiction where the property is located
- Enforcement deadline: 6 months 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 requires written contract and notice to owner
What Your Virginia Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Virginia's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Va. Code § 43-1 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 Virginia's preliminary notice requirements.
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Virginia Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 43-1 et seq., you have 90 days from the last day of performing labor or furnishing materials to file a mechanic's lien. Missing this deadline permanently forfeits your lien right.
Does Virginia require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. Virginia requires a Notice of Mechanic's Lien to be served on the property owner (Notice of Mechanic's Lien within 30 days of completion for residential) within 30 days. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in Virginia?
In Virginia, mechanic's liens are filed with the clerk of circuit court in the jurisdiction 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 Virginia?
After filing the lien, you have 6 months to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under Va. Code § 43-1 et seq.. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in Virginia?
Yes. In Virginia, 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 Virginia?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Virginia-specific demand letter citing Va. Code § 43-1 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.