How to file a mechanics lien in Ohio
Unpaid for work or materials on an Ohio construction project? The property type determines the usual affidavit deadline. Use this guide to organize the filing questions, then check the cited law against your role and project.
OH · PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION CLAIMS
The property type determines the usual affidavit deadline.
Section 1311.06 uses 60 days for one- or two-family dwellings and residential condominium units, and 75 days for other ordinary improvements. A separate 120-day rule applies to specified oil-and-gas work.
Notices to check before filing
Review commencement and furnishing notices, then calendar the required service of the filed affidavit separately.
Where and how to file in Ohio
Record the lien affidavit with the county recorder where the property lies. State the first and last furnishing dates and net amount.
A filing mistake to avoid
The 120-day period is not the ordinary Ohio construction-lien deadline.
Prepare your project records
Identify the improvement type and gather the notice of commencement, furnishing notices, contract, owner details, and account credits.
- Identify who hired you and whether the property is privately owned.
- Confirm your notice obligations and the event that starts each time limit.
- Verify the owner and property description using appropriate records.
- Reconcile invoices, payments, credits, and disputed amounts.
- Keep filing and service receipts, and calendar any enforcement deadline.
After the claim is filed
Filing does not guarantee payment or establish that a disputed claim is valid. Preserve the filed document and delivery evidence. If payment arrives, arrange the required release or satisfaction. If the balance remains unpaid, seek advice about enforcement before its separate deadline expires.
Help with your unpaid construction account
The Credit App offers administrative mechanics lien preparation and a recording attempt for $249. Confirm your state, project, notices, and timing before ordering. The service uses the information you provide; it does not determine legal sufficiency, verify ownership, or represent you in an enforcement action.
Review the lien service · Compare service fees · Ask support about your project
Sources for Ohio lien requirements
Sources checked September 23, 2026. This is a general guide to private construction claims, not a calculation of your deadline or legal advice. The cited edition and later amendments must be checked for your project.
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