Pennsylvania Mechanics Lien Guide

Everything you need to know about filing a mechanics lien in Pennsylvania — deadlines, requirements, costs, and a free document generator.

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Understanding Pennsylvania Mechanics Lien Law

Pennsylvania mechanics lien rights are governed by 49 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§ 1101-1902. To file a mechanics lien in Pennsylvania, you must record your claim with the Prothonotary, Court of Common Pleas in the county where the property is located. The estimated recording fee is $35-$75, though fees vary by county.

Some claimant types in Pennsylvania are required to send a preliminary notice before filing a lien. Check the requirements for your specific role below.

Pennsylvania Mechanics Lien Deadlines by Role

Role	Preliminary Notice	Lien Filing Deadline
General Contractor	Not required	180 days from last furnishing
Subcontractor	30 days from before filing	180 days from last furnishing

Use our deadline calculator to find your exact filing dates based on your project timeline.

Requirements by Role

General Contractor

Lien Deadline: 180 days from last furnishing
Preliminary Notice: Not required
Filing Office: Prothonotary, Court of Common Pleas
Estimated Recording Fee: $35-$75
Statute Reference: 49 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§ 1101-1902

Must file within 6 months of last furnishing. PA uses a praecipe and statement of claim process. No prelim notice for GCs.

Subcontractor

Lien Deadline: 180 days from last furnishing
Preliminary Notice: Required — 30 days from before filing
Filing Office: Prothonotary, Court of Common Pleas
Estimated Recording Fee: $35-$75
Statute Reference: 49 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§ 1101-1902

Must give owner 30-day written notice before filing lien. On projects >$1.5M with NOC, notice within 45 days. File within 6 months. Serve owner within 1 month.

What You Need to File

Gather the following information before preparing your Pennsylvania mechanics lien document:

✓Your full legal name (or business name)
✓Property owner's name
✓Property address (legal description preferred)
✓Description of work performed or materials supplied
✓Total amount owed
✓Name of the party who hired you

How to File a Mechanics Lien in Pennsylvania

1
Send Your Preliminary Notice
Check whether your role requires a preliminary notice in Pennsylvania. If required, send it within the specified deadline to preserve your lien rights. Learn more in our preliminary notice guide.
2
Gather Your Documentation
Collect all required information including contract details, payment records, and property information. See the checklist above for the complete list.
3
Prepare Your Lien Document
Use our free Pennsylvania lien generator to create a state-compliant mechanics lien document with all required fields.
4
Record with the Prothonotary, Court of Common Pleas
File your completed lien document with the Prothonotary, Court of Common Pleas in the county where the property is located. Expect to pay approximately $35-$75 in recording fees.
5
Serve Notice on the Property Owner
After recording, serve a copy of the filed lien on the property owner as required by Pennsylvania law. Keep proof of service for your records.

Important Notes for Pennsylvania

Must file within 6 months of last furnishing. PA uses a praecipe and statement of claim process. No prelim notice for GCs.

Must give owner 30-day written notice before filing lien. On projects >$1.5M with NOC, notice within 45 days. File within 6 months. Serve owner within 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Pennsylvania?

Deadlines vary by role. General Contractors have 180 days from last furnishing. Subcontractors have 180 days from last furnishing. These deadlines are strictly enforced — missing them means losing your lien rights.

Do I need to send a preliminary notice in Pennsylvania?

General Contractors are not required to send a preliminary notice. Subcontractors must send a preliminary notice within 30 days of before filing. Even when not required, sending a preliminary notice is recommended as a best practice.

Where do I file a mechanics lien in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, mechanics liens are filed with the Prothonotary, Court of Common Pleas in the county where the property is located.

How much does it cost to file a mechanics lien in Pennsylvania?

The estimated recording fee in Pennsylvania is $35-$75. Fees vary by county and may change. Contact your local Prothonotary, Court of Common Pleas for current rates.

What information do I need to file a mechanics lien in Pennsylvania?

You will need: Your full legal name (or business name), Property owner's name, Property address (legal description preferred), Description of work performed or materials supplied, Total amount owed, Name of the party who hired you. Subcontractors and suppliers may also need the name of the party who hired them.

Related Resources

What Is a Mechanics Lien?

A comprehensive overview of mechanics liens and how they protect your right to payment.

How to File a Mechanics Lien

Step-by-step guide to preparing and filing your mechanics lien document.

Preliminary Notice Requirements

Learn when and how to send a preliminary notice to protect your lien rights.

Deadline Calculator

Calculate your exact filing deadlines based on your project dates and role.

Ready to File Your Pennsylvania Mechanics Lien?

Our guided form will walk you through the state-specific requirements and generate your document.