A Lien On Your House
MCL 570.1111 — a claim of lien within 90 days, and a year to foreclose
In Michigan, a contractor, subcontractor, laborer or supplier who improves real property has a right to a construction lien under the Construction Lien Act, and that right ends unless the claim of lien is recorded in time.
| The step | The statute's answer |
|---|---|
| The stepNotice of furnishing, from a subcontractor or supplier | The statute's answerWithin 20 days after first furnishing labor or material, to the designee and general contractor named in the notice of commencement; a contractor who contracted directly with the owner needs none |
| The stepRecording the claim of lien | The statute's answerWithin 90 days after the claimant's last furnishing, with the register of deeds in each county where the property is |
| The stepSuing to enforce it | The statute's answerNot later than 1 year after the claim of lien was recorded |
The sworn statement. A contractor or subcontractor suing to foreclose must show the owner was provided a sworn statement, if one was requested or required.
The notice of commencement and the protection the act gives an owner who paid the contractor are in sections not on this page. Whether a particular lien is valid, and how to contest or discharge one, are questions for a licensed Michigan attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- MCL 570.1111 — Claim of lien; recording; validity; form
- MCL 570.1109 — Notice of furnishing by subcontractor, supplier or laborer
- MCL 570.1117 — Action for enforcement of construction lien through foreclosure
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Michigan attorney.