Rhode Island Notice Requirements

General Contractors — No Preliminary Notice Required

Under Rhode Island law, general contractors who have a direct contract with the property owner are not required to serve a preliminary notice to preserve their mechanic lien rights. The direct contractual relationship with the owner establishes privity and is sufficient for mechanic lien rights.

General contractors must still comply with all mechanic lien filing deadlines, including recording the Notice of Intention within the applicable timeframe based on the project type (commercial or residential).

Subcontractors & Suppliers — Notice to Owner (60-Day Deadline)

Subcontractors and material suppliers who do not have a direct contractual relationship with the property owner must serve a written notice to the owner within 60 days of first furnishing labor or materials to the project.

This notice informs the owner of the claimant's involvement in the project and is a prerequisite to filing a valid mechanic lien. The 60-day deadline is measured from the date of first furnishing, not from the date of the contract.

Public Works — Bond Claim Notice (90-Day Deadline)

Under R.I. Gen. Laws §37-12-1, claimants on public works projects must provide notice of their bond claim within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials to the project.

This notice must be served on the surety and the general contractor. Timely and proper delivery of this notice is essential to preserving the right to make a claim against the payment bond.

Best Practices for Rhode Island Notice Compliance

National Lien & Bond recommends serving all notices by certified mail with return receipt requested to ensure documented proof of delivery. Given Rhode Island's strict enforcement deadlines, early and proactive notice service is critical to preserving all available remedies.