Our Guide to Preliens, Waivers, Mechanic’s Liens, and Bond Claims in 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 you to work with a construction attorney for your particular circumstances in our complex construction lien law environment.
Connecticut Quick Overview
| Pursuant code | Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 847 |
|---|---|
| Prelien required for private / commercial projects | No, but may be beneficial |
| Prelien required for public projects | No |
| CT statutory relief | Full price |
| Lien milestone event | Last furnishing / last invoice |
| Lien enforcement deadline | 90 to 180 days |
| Waivable lien rights | Limited by statute and contract |
| Supplier to supplier rights | Likely no |
| Prelien document name(s) | Notice of Intent to Claim Mechanic’s Lien |
| Prelien minimum information | Claim amount, property description, owner identity, and claimant information. |
| Prelien minimum notifications | Owner and related contracting parties based on role. |
| 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.
- Prime/ Original / General Contractors (GCs): Private/Commercial: Prime contractors are not required to send preliminary notice but must record a mechanics lien certificate within 90 days of the last day labor or materials were furnished and serve it within 30 days of recording.
- Subcontractors/Trade Partners (Subs): Private/Commercial: Subcontractors must serve a Notice of Intent to Lien within 90 days after work has ceased, record a Certificate of Mechanics Lien in town land records, and serve it on the property owner within 30 days of recording.
- Second-tier Subcontractors: Private/Commercial: Second tier subcontractors follow the same Notice of Intent and recording process as other subswithin 90 days of last work and 30-day post-recording service requirement.
- Lower-tier Subcontractors: Private/Commercial: Lower-tier subcontractors must also comply with the 90-day and 30-day deadlines for lien and service but are not required to send notice prior to furnishing.
- Material Suppliers: Private/Commercial: Suppliers must serve a Notice of Intent to Lien no later than 90 days after last furnishing and must record a lien within the same timeframe. The lien must be served on the property owner within 30 days of recording.
- Equipment Lessors: Private/Commercial: Equipment lessors follow the same rule as material suppliersNotice of Intent to Lien and certificate recorded within 90 days, then served on property owners within 30 days.
- Second-tier Material Suppliers: Private/Commercial: Second-tier suppliers must adhere to the same rules: lien recorded within 90 days of last furnishing, and service to owner 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
On public projects, mechanic's lien rights are typically replaced by bond claim rights. Bond claim notice and enforcement timelines can vary by project type and bond language, so coordinate with your construction attorney to confirm the correct deadline and required notice path.
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 online lien-related information for construction project parcels—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
- Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 847 - Mechanics Liens
- Connecticut Judicial Branch - Foreclosure Procedures
- Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection - Licensing
- Connecticut State Building Trades Council
- Associated General Contractors of Connecticut (AGC/CT)
- Connecticut DAS - Construction Services (State Contracting on Public Projects)
- OSHA Hartford Area Office
- CT Secretary of the State - Business Registry (to locate property owners)
- Connecticut Bar Association - Construction Law Section
- Connecticut State Library - Land Records & Deeds Index
Check out this ‘X’ list for Connecticut created by Prelien Pro!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Connecticut lien processes for contractors
Do Connecticut projects require a preliminary notice at project start?
Not typically in the same way as 20-day notice states, but role-specific service and filing requirements still apply.
When should a mechanic’s lien be recorded in Connecticut?
Deadlines are tied to last furnishing and statutory filing windows, so timing should be validated for each project.
Can subcontractors and suppliers assert lien rights in Connecticut?
Yes, if notice, service, and recording requirements are followed.
Are bond claims used instead of liens on public projects?
Yes, public projects generally rely on payment-bond remedies instead of property liens.
Should waiver forms be reviewed before signing?
Yes, waiver language and payment conditions should be reviewed to avoid unintentionally releasing rights.
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