Oregon Mechanics Lien Laws
Notice of Right to a Lien required within 8 business days of first furnishing (for those not in direct contract with owner). 75 days from last work. Remarkably long 10-year enforcement window.
Key Facts
Step-by-step guide for Oregon
- 1
Confirm your lien rights
Verify you hold a valid contract, are properly licensed (if Oregon requires it), and that the work was on private property. Public projects require a payment bond claim, not a lien.
- 2
Send preliminary notice within 8 days of first work
Oregon requires a preliminary notice within 8 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Missing this notice permanently bars your lien rights.
- 3
Track your deadline from last day of work
Your lien must be recorded within 75 days of your last furnishing of labor or materials. Mark the calendar the day you finish work — this clock does not stop.
- 4
Prepare the lien document
Your lien claim must include: claimant name and address, property owner name, property description (legal description or address), amount claimed, description of labor/materials, and dates of first and last furnishing.
- 5
Notarization (not required in this state)
Oregon does not require notarization.
- 6
File with the County Clerk
Record your lien with the County Clerk in the county where the property is located. Filing fee is typically $31–$75. Request a file-stamped copy for your records.
- 7
Serve a copy on the property owner
Most states require you to mail or personally serve a copy of the filed lien on the property owner within a short window of recording. Check Oregon rules for exact timing and method of service.
- 8
Enforce by month 120
If the debt remains unpaid, you must file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien within 120 months of recording. If you miss this deadline, the lien expires and the cloud on title is removed without payment.