Ohio's deadline depends on the property: 75 days on most jobs, 60 days on one- or two-family homes and residential condos. Before that, subs and suppliers on most commercial jobs need to send a Notice of Furnishing within 21 days.
Quick answer: When the owner records a Notice of Commencement, subs and suppliers serve a Notice of Furnishing within 21 days of first furnishing. Everyone files a lien affidavit within 75 days of last work (60 days on 1-2 family homes and residential condos), and serves the owner within 30 days of filing.
Ohio lien deadlines at a glance
| Step | Who | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of Furnishing | Subs and suppliers (not hired by owner or GC directly) | 21 days after first furnishing |
| Lien affidavit, commercial and most jobs | Everyone | 75 days after last labor or materials |
| Lien affidavit, 1-2 family home or residential condo | Everyone | 60 days after last labor or materials |
| Copy to owner | Everyone | 30 days after filing |
| Lawsuit after a Notice to Commence Suit | Everyone | 60 days after service of the notice |
Who can file a lien in Ohio
Original contractors, subs, material suppliers and laborers who work on or furnish materials for an improvement to real property can lien. Each files a sworn lien affidavit, personally or through an agent.
Notices before the lien
If the owner records a Notice of Commencement, subs and suppliers who didn't contract with the owner or the GC must serve a Notice of Furnishing within 21 days of first furnishing, on the owner's designee and the original contractor. Serving late only protects work from 21 days before service onward. If the owner never records an NOC, or ignores your written request for a copy, the deadline moves or no notice is needed. Home construction contracts are excluded from this requirement.
Recent change: as of September 30, 2025, a recorded Notice of Commencement expires after 4 years instead of 6 unless it says otherwise.
Filing the lien
File the lien affidavit with the county recorder within 75 days of your last labor or work, or 60 days on one- or two-family homes and residential condos. The clock runs from your own last day. Warranty or punch-list work doesn't extend it. The affidavit must include the amount, a property description, the parties' names and addresses, and your first and last dates of work.
Residential jobs
On 1-2 family homes and residential condos, the deadline is 60 days. Under a home construction contract, the NOC and Notice of Furnishing rules generally don't apply. If the owner paid the original contractor in full before receiving a copy of a sub's lien affidavit, the sub has no lien.
After you file
Within 30 days after filing, serve a copy of the lien affidavit on the owner. If that's impossible, post it on the property within 10 days after the 30 days run out.
An Ohio lien lasts 6 years unless the owner shortens it. Owners can serve a Notice to Commence Suit; you then have 60 days to sue or the lien is void. Owners can also bond off the lien.
Mistakes that cost Ohio contractors their lien
- Not requesting the Notice of Commencement and missing the 21-day Notice of Furnishing.
- Using the 75-day deadline on a home, where it's 60, or counting warranty work as your last day.
- Filing the affidavit but never serving the owner within 30 days, or ignoring a Notice to Commence Suit.
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 Ohio liens, usually in about 2 business days. Start a lien →
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Ohio?
75 days after your last labor or materials on most projects, and 60 days on one- or two-family homes and residential condos.
What is an Ohio Notice of Furnishing?
A notice subs and suppliers serve within 21 days of first furnishing when the owner has recorded a Notice of Commencement. Late notice only protects work from 21 days before it was served.
How long does an Ohio lien last?
Up to 6 years, but if the owner serves a Notice to Commence Suit you must sue within 60 days.
This article is general information, not legal advice. LevelSet Collections is not a law firm. Deadlines are based on Ohio Revised Code chapter 1311, as amended through 2025 as of October 2026, and lien laws change. Confirm your dates for your specific job. Sources: Ohio R.C. 1311.06, Ohio R.C. 1311.05, Ohio R.C. 1311.07.
Owed money on a Ohio job?
Liens from $199, filed in about 2 business days. Call (469) 694-8003.
