Iowa Lien Law

Supplier – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
Residential projects, must complete and post a “Preliminary notice”, an electronic form provided on the Secretary of State’s Mechanic lien and Notice Registry website as soon as the materials or labor are first furnished. Commercial: must notify prime contractor within 30 days of first furnishing materials.

Supplier – Mechanic Lien
90 days: For maximum protection lien must be filed within 90 days of last providing materials or labor. Lien may be filed for a period of 2 years after the 90-day deadline, but is only effective as to amounts not yet paid to the general contractor.

Subcontractor – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
Residential projects, must complete and post a “Preliminary notice”, an electronic form provided on the Secretary of State’s Mechanic lien and Notice Registry website as soon as the materials or labor are first furnished. Commercial: must notify prime contractor within 30 days of first furnishing materials.

Subcontractor – Mechanic Lien
90 days: For maximum protection lien must be filed within 90 days of last providing materials or labor. Lien may be filed for a period of 2 years after the 90-day deadline, but is only effective as to amounts not yet paid to the general contractor.

General Contractor – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
Residential projects, must provide notice of lien rights and identity of subs to be used. Must complete and post a “Commencement of Work” Notice, an electronic form provided on the Secretary of State’s Mechanic lien and Notice Registry website no later than 10 days afrom commencement of work

General Contractor – Mechanic Lien
90 days: For maximum protection lien must be filed within 90 days of last providing materials or labor. Lien may be filed for a period of 2 years after the 90-day deadline, but is only effective as to amounts not yet paid to the general contractor.

Timeframe to foreclose lien
Action to enforce must be commenced within 2 years from the expiration of the 90 day period.

Construction participants not covered by lien law
There are not any participants that are not covered.

Cost and damages not allowed in lien claim
Suppliers of labor or materials to a second-tier or lower subcontractor are not entitled to a lien against either the retention fund or the bond