Illinois Lien Law Summary (Private)

NOTICE REQUIREMENTS

• Generally, preliminary notice is not required prior to the performance of work.
• Anyone who did not contract with the owner must deliver a Notice of Intent to File a Mechanic’s Lien within 90 days of last furnishing labor and/or materials.
• On Owner-Occupied Single Family Residences, anyone without a direct contract with the owner must deliver a preliminary notice to the owner-occupier within 60 days of first furnishing labor and/or material.

THE START OF LIEN PERIOD
Work performed to meet remedial, punch list and/or warranty obligations typically is not considered in establishing your last day of work and/or the last delivery of labor and/or materials.

THE MECHANIC’S LIEN

• To be effective against “all parties,” including those who purchase the property before the lien is filed, the lien must be recorded within 4 months of last furnishing labor and/or materials to the project.

• Lien can be filed against the interests of the original owner within 2 years of last furnishing labor and/or materials.

• Action to enforce lien must be filed within 2 years from last furnishing labor and/or materials.