Iowa Mechanic Lien Law: Complete Guide
Your Complete Guide to Mechanic Lien Rights Under Iowa Code §572.1 et seq. — Private Works, Preliminary Notices & Public Project Bond Claims
Iowa mechanic lien deadline table with toggles for project type and claimant type.
Iowa Preliminary Notice & Mechanic Lien Deadlines
Select your project type and role to see the deadlines that apply to you.
Prime Contractor — In privity with the property owner
Not required for a prime contractor in direct contract with the owner.
On residential projects, the prime contractor should post a Notice of Commencement to the Mechanic's Notice and Lien Registry (MNLR) to set the framework for subcontractor and supplier preliminary notices.
Record a Mechanic's Lien within 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials to preserve priority against the owner and subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers.
On residential projects, file through the Mechanic's Notice and Lien Registry (MNLR).
On commercial projects, file with the clerk of district court in the county where the property is located.
A lien may be filed after 90 days, but rights against subsequent good-faith purchasers and encumbrancers may be lost.
Commence an action to foreclose the Mechanic's Lien within 2 years and 90 days after last furnishing of labor or materials.
Preliminary Notice
Not required for a prime contractor in direct contract with the owner.
On residential projects, the prime contractor should post a Notice of Commencement to the Mechanic's Notice and Lien Registry (MNLR) to set the framework for subcontractor and supplier preliminary notices.
Mechanic Lien
Record a Mechanic's Lien within 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials to preserve priority against the owner and subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers.
On residential projects, file through the Mechanic's Notice and Lien Registry (MNLR).
On commercial projects, file with the clerk of district court in the county where the property is located.
A lien may be filed after 90 days, but rights against subsequent good-faith purchasers and encumbrancers may be lost.
Enforcement
Commence an action to foreclose the Mechanic's Lien within 2 years and 90 days after last furnishing of labor or materials.
Iowa Mechanic Lien Law Overview
Iowa construction mechanic lien rights are governed by Iowa Code §572.1 et seq. This statutory framework provides mechanic's lien rights to contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers who furnish labor or materials for the improvement of real property in the State of Iowa. The statute establishes the procedures for perfecting a mechanic lien, including notice obligations and filing deadlines that must be strictly followed.
Iowa distinguishes between residential and commercial projects for preliminary notice purposes. On residential projects, subcontractors and suppliers not in privity with the property owner must deliver a preliminary notice within 30 days of first furnishing labor or materials. On commercial projects, the preliminary notice deadline extends to 90 days. General contractors are not required to serve a preliminary notice under Iowa law.
All claimants must perfect their mechanic lien by filing a verified statement of account (mechanic lien claim) within 90 days after the date of last furnishing labor or materials, or within 90 days after the completion or cessation of the work, whichever is applicable. Enforcement suits must be commenced within 2 years from the expiration of the 90-day filing period.
For public works projects, Iowa Code §573.1 et seq. governs bond claims. Subcontractors and suppliers not in privity with the general contractor must provide written notice to the general contractor within 30 days of first furnishing. Bond claims must be filed within 30 days after the final settlement between the public entity and the general contractor. National Lien & Bond provides attorney-backed compliance and recovery services to help Iowa construction professionals protect their payment rights.
Topics on This Page
Iowa Mechanic Lien Law: Key Topics
Navigate the critical compliance areas for Iowa construction mechanic lien law.
Notice Requirements
Preliminary notice within 30 days (residential) or 90 days (commercial) for subs/suppliers not in privity; no notice required for general contractors
Mechanic Lien Deadlines
Verified mechanic lien claim within 90 days after completion or cessation of work for all claimants
Mechanic Lien Enforcement Deadlines
Suit within 2 years from expiration of 90-day filing period; public works bond claims within 30 days after final settlement
Frequently Asked Questions
What statute governs mechanic liens in Iowa?
Mechanic's liens in Iowa are governed by Iowa Code §572.1 et seq. Public works bond claims are governed by Iowa Code §573.1 et seq.
Is a preliminary notice required to file a mechanic lien in Iowa?
General contractors do not need a preliminary notice. Subcontractors and suppliers not in privity with the owner must serve notice within 30 days (residential) or 90 days (commercial) of first furnishing.
What is the deadline to file a mechanic lien in Iowa?
All claimants must file a verified statement of account within 90 days after the date of completion or cessation of work under Iowa Code §572.1 et seq.
How does Iowa mechanic lien law differ from other states?
Iowa distinguishes between residential (30-day) and commercial (90-day) preliminary notice deadlines. Iowa also uses a verified statement of account rather than a traditional claim of mechanic lien, and mechanic liens relate back to the date of first visible improvement.
What are the notice requirements for Iowa public works bond claims?
Subcontractors and suppliers not in privity with the general contractor must provide written notice to the GC within 30 days of first furnishing. Bond claims must be filed within 30 days after final settlement.
What is the deadline to file suit to enforce an Iowa construction mechanic lien?
Suit must be commenced within 2 years from the expiration of the 90-day mechanic lien filing period. For public works bond claims, the claim must be filed within 30 days after final settlement.