In Maryland, a subcontractor must send a notice of intention to claim a mechanic’s lien to the owner of the subject property within 120 days following the last day the subcontractor performed work or furnished materials on the Project. The notice of intention to claim a mechanic’s lien must include a sworn statement with the following information:
(Subcontractor) did work or furnished material for or about the building generally designated or briefly described as: _______
The total amount earned under the subcontractor’s undertaking to the date hereof is $_______ of which $___________is due and unpaid as of the date hereof. The work done or materials provided under the subcontract were as follows: (insert brief description of the work done and materials furnished, the time when the work was done or the materials furnished, and the name of the person for whom the work was done or to whom the materials were furnished).
MD Code, Real Property, § 9-104.
The notice of lien must be sent to the property owner via certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or personally delivered to the owner. This mandatory notice preserves the subcontractor’s right to pursue a mechanic’s lien claim against the property. A subcontractor must still file a lawsuit to establish and enforce a mechanic’s lien within 180 days following the subcontractor’s last day of work on the Project.
Mechanic’s liens are highly technical and require strict statutory compliance. A defective notice may render the lien invalid and unenforceable. It is recommended that an attorney prepare the notice of lien. Mike Bramnick is knowledgeable and experienced in connection with Maryland’s mechanic’s lien laws. Contact Mike Bramnick at (301) 547-3647 or by email at Mike@BramnickCreed.com for a consultation.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney before relying on any information contained herein.