Louisiana Lien Law

Supplier – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
If hired by a subcontractor, the notice must be sent within 75 days of the last day of the month of furnishing labor and/or materials. Equipment Lessors must deliver a notice to the owner and prime within 10 days of furnishing equipment. A professional sub-consultant, architect, engineer or surveyor must give notice to owner within 30 days of first furnishing.

Supplier – Mechanic Lien
Notice of non-payment must be delivered to the owner at least ten days prior to filing a lien. Subcontractor or suppliers claim of lien must be filed within thirty days from the filing of a notice of termination; however, if a notice of contact was not timely filed the lien period is extended to 60 day from substantial completion of the entire work or abandonment by the owner.

Subcontractor – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
No preliminary notice is required.

Subcontractor – Mechanic Lien
Subcontractor or suppliers claim of lien must be filed within thirty days from the filing of a notice of termination; however, if a notice of contact was not timely filed the lien period is extended to 60 day from substantial completion of the entire work or abandonment by the owner.

General Contractor – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
Notice of Contract must be recorded before work begins if contract more than $25,000.00.

General Contractor – Mechanic Lien
Liens must be filed within 60 days from substantial completion of the entire work.

Timeframe to foreclose lien
Liens must be foreclosed upon within 1 year of recording of lien.

Construction participants not covered by lien law
Material suppliers whose customers are not the contractor or a subcontractor are not protected by Louisiana lien law.

Cost and damages not allowed in lien claim
 Items that typically are not allowed in a lien claim are punitive damages, attorney’s fees other than as provided by statute, and materials not incorporated in or consumed on the project.