Our Guide to Preliens, Waivers, Mechanic's Liens, and Bond Claims in Connecticut
Connecticut
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This is an overview of the state's statutory approach to lien law and what contractors might want to focus on to ensure lien rights are established timely, correctly, and effectively.
While we are happy to provide this guide as a quick reference, we HIGHLY encourage that you work with a construction attorney to help you with your particular circumstances in our complex construction lien law environment.
Connecticut Quick Overview
| Pursuant Code | Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 49-33 et seq. | |
| Prelien Required for Private/Commercial Projects | No, but may be beneficial | |
| Prelien Required for Public Projects | No | |
| CT Statutory Relief | Unpaid Balance | |
| Lien Milestone Event | Last furnishing/last invoice | |
| Lien Enforcement Deadline | 6 months to 1 year | |
| Waivable Lien Rights | No | |
| Supplier to Supplier Rights | Likely No | |
| Prelien Document Name(s) | Notice of Intent to Lien | |
| Prelien Minimum Information | Statement that the claimant has furnished or commenced to furnish materials or services and intends to claim a lien; must be subscribed and sworn. | |
| Prelien Minimum Notifications | Owner, General Contractor | |
| Prelien Recording Requirement | No | |
| Prelien Notarized | No |
Understanding the Prelien Process on Construction Projects in Connecticut by Role
Connecticut does not require a preliminary notice before furnishing labor or materials. However, claimants (excluding general contractors) must serve a Notice of Intent to Lien within 90 days of last furnishing. A lien certificate must be recorded within this time and then served on all property owners within 30 days of recording.
Mechanic's Liens in Connecticut
All lien claimants must file a Certificate of Mechanics Lien in the town where the property is located within 90 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials. The lien must be served on the owner within 30 days after recording. Foreclosure must be commenced within one year. A Notice of Intent to Lien is often served concurrently with the lien certificate to meet notice obligations for lower-tier claimants.
Bond Claims in Connecticut
Connecticut does not have a statutory framework for public project bond claims equivalent to federal Miller Act-style processes. Bond claims are governed by the terms of the bond, and claimants must strictly follow the notice and deadline provisions within each bond.
Construction Lien Waivers in Connecticut
Required Format: Connecticut does not require any specific statutorily required verbiage to be valid but be sure to check with your constuction attorney and consult any relevant state statutes.
Required Notarization: Connecticut does not require waivers to be notarized.
Connecticut does not impose a statutory waiver format. Waivers are enforceable as contracts and should be reviewed to ensure they do not inadvertently waive rights before payment is received.
Learn more about waivers here, including the when and how to use various types of waivers, the difference between a Lien Waiver and a Lien Release, what to look for before signing, and more.
- As a client, you'll have free access to our system that easily creates statutorily correct lien waivers.
- Through our technology partner Prelien Pro, you can also access best-in-class lien waiver management software, allowing you to easily track, collaborate, and share lien waivers with all your trade partners.
Assessors' websites in Connecticut counties
Most often, the county Assessor's office is the 'go-to' resource for finding online lien-related information for construction project parcels, including ownership records, special warranty deeds, and more. Counties that we've not yet found online (those with '*') link to a Google search for your convenience.
Other Important Construction Links in Connecticut
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Connecticut Lien Processes for Contractors
Do I need to send a preliminary notice before starting work in Connecticut?
No preliminary notice is required before work begins. However, subcontractors and suppliers must serve a Notice of Intent to Lien within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials to preserve lien rights.
What is the deadline to file a mechanics lien in Connecticut?
A Certificate of Mechanics Lien must be recorded within 90 days after the last date labor or materials were furnished. A copy must then be served on the owner within 30 days of recording.
Can a general contractor file a lien without serving a notice?
Yes, but prime contractors should file a statutory affidavit within 15 days of beginning work in order to be entitled to receive notices. This filing is not a prerequisite to filing a lien.
How do I enforce a lien in Connecticut once recorded?
You must file a foreclosure action and lis pendens within one year from the date the lien was recorded. If not filed in time, the lien becomes invalid.
Are lien waivers regulated in Connecticut?
No, Connecticut does not regulate lien waivers by statute. Waivers are contractual and should be reviewed carefully to avoid releasing rights prematurely.
We Set the Standard for the Construction Industry
Not only do we provide you with the tools, knowledge, and team to ensure you feel confident your rights are secured, but we're prepared for the trenches and ready to coordinate with your legal team when things "go sideways" on one of your projects.
