Wisconsin Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Wis. Stat. § 779.01 et seq. — Construction Liens
Lien Filing Deadline
You must file your lien within 6 months of the last day of furnishing labor or materials. Miss this deadline and you permanently lose your lien right.
Preliminary Notice Requirement
Wisconsin requires a Notice of Claim to be served on the property owner (subcontractors must file Notice of Claim within 30 days of first furnishing) 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 county 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: $10,000
- Residential note: residential property requires 30-day notice before lien filing
What Your Wisconsin Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Wisconsin's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Wis. Stat. § 779.01 et seq. cited by section number. The other party sees you know the law.
Deadline Calculation
6 months from your last work date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Notice Compliance
References your compliance with Wisconsin's preliminary notice requirements.
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Wisconsin Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in Wisconsin?
Under Wis. Stat. § 779.01 et seq., you have 6 months from the last day of furnishing labor or materials to file a mechanic's lien. Missing this deadline permanently forfeits your lien right.
Does Wisconsin require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. Wisconsin requires a Notice of Claim to be served on the property owner (subcontractors must file Notice of Claim within 30 days of first furnishing) within 30 days. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, mechanic's liens are filed with the clerk of circuit court in the county where the property is located. The lien must be filed within the statutory deadline of 6 months.
How long do I have to enforce a mechanic's lien in Wisconsin?
After filing the lien, you have 6 months to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under Wis. Stat. § 779.01 et seq.. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in Wisconsin?
Yes. In Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Wisconsin-specific demand letter citing Wis. Stat. § 779.01 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.