Tennessee Mechanics Lien Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a mechanics lien in Tennessee — deadlines, requirements, costs, and a free document generator.
Understanding Tennessee Mechanics Lien Law
Tennessee mechanics lien rights are governed by Tenn. Code §§ 66-11-101 to 66-11-152. To file a mechanics lien in Tennessee, you must record your claim with the County Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. The estimated recording fee is $12-$30, though fees vary by county.
Some claimant types in Tennessee are required to send a preliminary notice before filing a lien. Check the requirements for your specific role below.
Tennessee Mechanics Lien Deadlines by Role
| Role | Preliminary Notice | Lien Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | 30 days from first furnishing | 365 days from last furnishing |
| Subcontractor | 90 days from last furnishing | 90 days from completion |
Use our deadline calculator to find your exact filing dates based on your project timeline.
Requirements by Role
General Contractor
- Lien Deadline
- 365 days from last furnishing
- Preliminary Notice
- Required — 30 days from first furnishing
- Filing Office
- County Register of Deeds
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $12-$30
- Statute Reference
- Tenn. Code §§ 66-11-101 to 66-11-152
GCs have up to 1 year from last furnishing (90 days recommended for priority). Must give Notice to Owner before commencing work.
Subcontractor
- Lien Deadline
- 90 days from completion
- Preliminary Notice
- Required — 90 days from last furnishing
- Filing Office
- County Register of Deeds
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $12-$30
- Statute Reference
- Tenn. Code §§ 66-11-101 to 66-11-152, § 66-11-145
Must send Notice of Non-Payment within 90 days from end of month labor/materials were last provided. File lien within 90 days of project completion.
What You Need to File
Gather the following information before preparing your Tennessee 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 Tennessee
- 1
Send Your Preliminary Notice
Check whether your role requires a preliminary notice in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee lien generator to create a state-compliant mechanics lien document with all required fields.
- 4
Record with the County Register of Deeds
File your completed lien document with the County Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Expect to pay approximately $12-$30 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 Tennessee law. Keep proof of service for your records.
Important Notes for Tennessee
GCs have up to 1 year from last furnishing (90 days recommended for priority). Must give Notice to Owner before commencing work.
Must send Notice of Non-Payment within 90 days from end of month labor/materials were last provided. File lien within 90 days of project completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Tennessee?
Deadlines vary by role. General Contractors have 365 days from last furnishing. Subcontractors have 90 days from completion. These deadlines are strictly enforced — missing them means losing your lien rights.
Do I need to send a preliminary notice in Tennessee?
General Contractors must send a preliminary notice within 30 days of first furnishing. Subcontractors must send a preliminary notice within 90 days of last furnishing. Even when not required, sending a preliminary notice is recommended as a best practice.
Where do I file a mechanics lien in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, mechanics liens are filed with the County Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located.
How much does it cost to file a mechanics lien in Tennessee?
The estimated recording fee in Tennessee is $12-$30. Fees vary by county and may change. Contact your local County Register of Deeds for current rates.
What information do I need to file a mechanics lien in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee Mechanics Lien?
Our guided form will walk you through the state-specific requirements and generate your document.
Generate Your Tennessee Lien DocumentDisclaimer: This guide provides general information about Tennessee mechanics lien law and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently and may vary based on project type, contract terms, and local requirements. Always consult with a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.