Texas Lien Law

Supplier – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
15th day of 2nd month: For residential projects, notice is required to be sent to the owner and prime contractor by the 15th day of the 2nd month following the month that work was performed and unpaid. (Notice must be sent for each month work was performed and unpaid.) For non-residential projects, the deadline is both the 15th day of the 2nd month, and the 15th day of the 3rd month, following each month in which work was performed and unpaid. (The 2nd month notice has to be sent only to the prime contractor.)

Supplier – Mechanic Lien
15th day of 4th month: Must be filed by 15th day of the 4th calendar month after the day on which the debt accrued (3rd month if the project is residential). For example, if non-residential work is performed and unpaid in January, the lien must be filed by May 15.

Subcontractor – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
“15th day of the 2nd month: For residential projects, notice is required to be sent to the owner and prime contractor by the 15th day of the 2nd month following the month that work was performed and unpaid. (Notice must be sent for each month work was performed and unpaid.)
For subcontractors on non-residential projects, the deadline is the 15th day of the 3rd month following each month work was performed and unpaid. ”

Subcontractor – Mechanic Lien
15th day of 4th month: Must be filed by 15th day of the 4th calendar month after the day on which the debt accrued (3rd month if the project is residential). For example, if non-residential work is performed and unpaid in January, the lien must be filed by May 15.

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

General Contractor – Mechanic Lien
15th day of 4th month: Must be filed by 15th day of the 4th calendar month after the day on which the debt accrued (3rd month if the project is residential). For example, if non-residential work is performed and unpaid in January, the lien must be filed by May 15.

Timeframe to foreclose lien
The deadline to enforce the lien is 2 years after last available day to file the lien or 1 year from the completion of the work (whichever is later). For residential projects, the deadline is 1 year from the last available day to file the lien or 1 year from the completion of the work (whichever is later).

Construction participants not covered by lien law

Cost and damages not allowed in lien claim