A Lien On Your House
N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-6 — 90 days to lodge a lien claim, and an arbitrator first on a home
In New Jersey, a contractor, subcontractor or supplier files a lien claim on the statutory form, signed, acknowledged and verified by oath, setting out the work or materials provided and the claimant's relationship with the owner.
| Lodging the lien claim for record | When |
|---|---|
| Lodging the lien claim for recordMost construction | WhenWithin 90 days following the date the last work, services, material or equipment was provided |
| Lodging the lien claim for recordA residential construction contract | WhenNot later than 10 days after the claimant receives the arbitrator's determination |
Then sue, or lose it. A claimant forfeits the lien and must discharge it if no action to enforce it is commenced within one year of the last work, services, material or equipment, or within 30 days after receiving written notice from the owner requiring the claimant to commence one. A claimant who forfeits and fails to discharge is liable for the owner's court costs and legal expenses.
The arbitration that precedes a lien on a home is in a section not on this page. Whether a particular lien is valid, and how to contest or discharge one, are questions for a licensed New Jersey attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-6 — Filing lien claim
- N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-14 — Claimant's failure to commence action; forfeiture, liability
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.