Minnesota mechanics' liens and public bond claims: 45 days, 120 days, one year

A summary of Minn. Stat. Chapter 514 and § 574.31, not legal advice.

Pre-lien notice: 45 days

Under § 514.011, a party not under direct contract with the owner must give the owner a written notice, by personal delivery or certified mail, not later than 45 days after first furnishing labor, skill or materials. Contractors who contract with the owner must include the statutory notice in their written contract (or deliver it within ten days if there is no written contract).

Lien statement: 120 days

Under § 514.08, the lien ceases 120 days after the last work or the last item of skill, material or machinery is furnished unless, within that period, a statement of the claim is filed for record with the county recorder (or registrar of titles) and served on the owner.

Enforcement: one year

Under § 514.12, subd. 3, no lien may be enforced unless the holder asserts it by filing a complaint or answer within one year after the date of the last item of the claim in the recorded statement.

Public work: payment bond claims

Under § 574.31, a claimant must serve written notice of claim on the surety and the contractor within 120 days after its last labor and materials for the public work, and must sue within one year.

Summary for general information, reviewed 2026-10-30. Not legal advice; check the source before relying on a deadline or threshold.