Oklahoma Notice Requirements

Contractors — No General Preliminary Notice Required

Oklahoma does not require contractors to serve a general preliminary notice as a prerequisite to filing a Mechanic Lien Statement. However, any contract for an owner-occupied dwelling must include the statutory notice prescribed by §42-142.1. Failure to include this notice in the contract may affect mechanic lien rights on owner-occupied properties.

Subcontractors & Materialmen — Pre-Lien Notice (75-Day Deadline)

Subcontractors and materialmen must file a Pre-Lien Notice prior to filing the Mechanic Lien Statement but not later than 75 days after the last date of furnishing of labor, materials, or equipment. This Pre-Lien Notice requirement does not apply to construction contracts or invoices/draws with an aggregate amount of less than $10,000.

For owner-occupied dwellings, subcontractors and materialmen must give the statutory notice not later than 75 days after the first date of furnishing of labor, materials, or equipment. Note the difference: for general projects, the 75-day period runs from last furnishing; for owner-occupied dwellings, it runs from first furnishing.

Equipment Lessors — 5-Day Notice to Owner

Equipment lessors must serve Notice to Owner within 5 days of equipment being placed on-site. This is one of the shortest notice deadlines in Oklahoma's mechanic lien system and requires prompt action by the lessor.

For owner-occupied dwellings, equipment lessors must give the statutory notice before beginning work — making the deadline even more stringent than for standard projects. §42-142.1.

Oil & Gas Projects — Notice to Owner Within 180 Days (§144-145)

For oil and gas projects, contractors, subcontractors, and materialmen must serve a Notice to Owner within 180 days after the date of last furnishing. The notice must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service.

Public Works — Notice of Claim on Bond (90 Days)

On Oklahoma public works projects over $25,000, subcontractors, materialmen, and third-tier subcontractors must serve a Notice of Claim on Bond to the contractor and surety within 90 days after last performance. The notice must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.