Iowa Mechanic Lien Laws

Individuals and entities involved in the construction industry in the state of Iowa should be aware of the laws and regulations regarding filing lien claims in the state of Iowa. Below are a list of the deadlines and other caveats to filing lien claims and enforcing liens in the state of Iowa, per Iowa state code and other applicable statutes.

Notice Requirements for Mechanics Liens in Iowa

Primary Contractors

Primary contractors in Iowa are not legally required to file preliminary notice of intent to file lien claims. A verified mechanics lien statement is required to be recorded within ninety (90) days of the last day that materials or labor were provided. Any action to enforce rights on a lien have to occur within two (2) years from the end of the ninety (90) day period mandated for lien filing itself. If primary contractors are served demand from owner, the action to enforce the lien must occur within thirty (30) days of receipt of demand, except in special cases involving owner-occupied single-family primary homes.

Sub Contractors

Sub contractors must adhere to the same lien filing and claims procedure as primary contractors in the state of Iowa. Some of these requirements and deadlines include:

• Verified mechanics lien statement filed by ninety (90) days after completion of project
• Enforcement of lien actions must occur within two (2) years of end of ninety (90) day period for verified mechanics lien statement filing
• Written demand from owners requires claimant (sub contractor) to initiate actions to enforce rights to lien claims within thirty (30) days

Materials Suppliers

Materials suppliers in the state of Iowa must offer preliminary notice to primary contractor of supplying materials to sub contractor within thirty (30) days of providing materials. Otherwise, material suppliers follow the same procedures for making lien claims and enforcing mechanics liens as primary contractors and sub contractors, which are noted above.