Kentucky gives everyone 6 months after their last work to file a lien. That sounds generous, but subs and suppliers have an earlier deadline that matters more: the notice of intent to the owner, due 75 or 120 days after your last work depending on the size of the claim and the type of property.
Quick answer: Subs and suppliers send the owner a notice of intent within 120 days of last furnishing (claims over $1,000) or 75 days (claims of $1,000 or less, and all owner-occupied 1-2 family homes). Everyone files the lien within 6 months of last furnishing, mails the owner a copy within 7 days, and sues within 12 months of filing.
Kentucky lien deadlines at a glance
| Step | Who | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of intent | Subs and suppliers (no contract with owner) | 120 days after last furnishing for claims over $1,000; 75 days for $1,000 or less |
| Notice of intent, owner-occupied 1-2 family home | Subs and suppliers | 75 days after last furnishing, regardless of amount |
| Lien statement | Everyone | 6 months after last furnishing |
| Copy to owner | Everyone | Within 7 days after filing, by regular mail |
| Enforcement suit | Everyone | 12 months after filing the lien |
Who can file a lien in Kentucky
Anyone who furnishes labor or materials to build, alter or repair a structure can lien in Kentucky, as long as they work under a contract with, or the written consent of, the owner, a contractor, a subcontractor or their agent. Equipment rental liens are allowed but capped. Architects, engineers and surveyors can lien only if they contracted directly with the owner.
Notices before the lien
Kentucky has no start-of-job notice and no notice of commencement. What it has is a notice of intent to hold the property liable, required from anyone who doesn't have a contract directly with the owner. It states the amount owed and goes to the owner within 120 days after your last work for claims over $1,000, or 75 days for smaller claims. On an owner-occupied single or two-family home, it's 75 days no matter the amount.
Filing the lien
The sworn lien statement is filed with the county clerk where the property sits within 6 months after you last furnished labor or materials. It needs the net amount owed after credits, the owner's name, and whether you worked for the owner or a contractor. Corporations must also list an agent or address for service.
Residential jobs
On owner-occupied single or two-family homes, the notice of intent is always due within 75 days. The lien doesn't cover money the owner already paid the contractor before getting your notice, and a contractor or sub can't act as the owner's agent to receive it.
After you file
Within 7 days after filing, mail a copy of the lien statement by regular mail to the owner's last known address. If you don't, the lien is dissolved. That is one of the most common ways Kentucky liens fail.
A suit to enforce must be filed within 12 months after the lien is filed, or the lien dissolves.
Mistakes that cost Kentucky contractors their lien
- Using the 120-day notice deadline on an owner-occupied home, where it's always 75 days.
- Filing the lien but not mailing the owner a copy within 7 days.
- Filing a statement that isn't properly sworn, or that leaves out the net amount after credits or the owner's name.
Missed the deadline or the lien didn't pay?
The debt doesn't go away when lien rights do. The party that hired you still owes you, and we can pursue it through construction collections on contingency, 10% to 33%, with no charge if we don't collect. Here's what you can still do.
Still in your window? We prepare, file and serve Kentucky liens, usually in about 2 business days. Start a lien →
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Kentucky?
6 months after you last furnished labor or materials. Subs and suppliers must also send a notice of intent to the owner within 75 or 120 days of their last work.
What is the Kentucky notice of intent deadline?
120 days after last furnishing for claims over $1,000, and 75 days for claims of $1,000 or less. On owner-occupied single or two-family homes it's always 75 days.
How long does a Kentucky lien last?
You must file suit to enforce it within 12 months after filing, or the lien dissolves.
This article is general information, not legal advice. LevelSet Collections is not a law firm. Deadlines are based on Kentucky Revised Statutes KRS 376.010 et seq. as of October 2026, and lien laws change. Confirm your dates for your specific job. Sources: KRS 376.010, KRS 376.080, KRS 376.090.
Owed money on a Kentucky job?
Liens from $199, filed in about 2 business days. Call (469) 694-8003.
