How to File a Mechanic’s Lien (and When It’s Worth It)

photo: Youssef Abdelwahab

If you’ve provided labor, materials, or services to improve someone else’s property and haven’t been paid, you may have the legal right to file a mechanic’s lien. In Louisiana, this lien is called a Statement of Claim and Privilege, and it can give contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers serious leverage to get paid. 

But the rules are strict, deadlines are short, and errors can make your lien unenforceable. Here’s what you need to know before moving forward. 

What Is a Mechanic’s Lien? 

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim that attaches to a piece of real estate when payment for construction or improvement work is not made. It acts like a cloud on the property’s title—potentially delaying a sale, refinance, or closing until the debt is resolved. 

In Louisiana, liens are governed by the Private Works Act, and they’re available to: 

• General contractors 

• Subcontractors 

• Laborers 

• Material suppliers 

• Architects and engineers (in certain cases) 

When Can You File? 

Timing is critical—you lose your lien rights permanently if you miss the deadline. 

• General contractors typically must file their lien within 60 days after filing a Notice of Termination or substantial completion. 

• Subcontractors and suppliers must file within 60 days of project completion, or 30 days if a Notice of Termination is filed. 

• If no termination notice is filed, the clock starts from the final work or delivery of materials. 

For residential projects, additional notice requirements may apply, especially for non-contractual parties. 

What Needs to Be Filed? 

To protect your claim, you must file a Statement of Claim and Privilege in the mortgage records of the parish where the property is located. This includes: 

• Legal description of the property 

• Identity of the debtor and property owner 

• Nature and value of the labor or materials provided 

• Date of last work or delivery 

• Your contact information and signature 

It’s also strongly recommended that you send a copy via certified mail to the property owner and contractor. 

What Happens After Filing? 

Once filed: 

• The lien becomes part of the property’s public record 

• The owner may need to settle the lien to sell or refinance 

• You gain the right to file a lawsuit to enforce the lien, if necessary 

 Important: You must file suit to enforce the lien within one year of filing it, or the lien expires. 

When Is It Worth It? 

Filing a lien makes sense when: 

• The amount owed is significant 

• The property has equity or is about to be sold 

• Other attempts to collect have failed 

• You’re still within the legal deadlines 

For small claims or unclear project records, it may be better to pursue payment through direct negotiation or a small claims process. 

How We Can Help 

At Title Stream, our legal team assists contractors, vendors, and construction professionals in evaluating lien rights, preparing proper filings, and enforcing claims. We help you protect your work—and your income—before the opportunity slips away.