State Information | Kentucky | National Lien Services

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.

Kentucky Quick Overview

Pursuant code	KRS § 376.010 et seq.
Prelien required for private / commercial projects	Yes
Prelien required for public projects	Yes
KY statutory relief	Full price
Lien milestone event	—
Lien enforcement deadline	6 months to 1 year
Waivable lien rights	No
Supplier to supplier rights	Likely no
Prelien document name(s)	Notice to Owner
Prelien minimum information	The amount due, a property description, the name of the owner, whether work/material was done under contract with the owner or another party, and the claimant's name and address.
Prelien minimum notifications	Owner
Prelien recording requirement	No
Prelien notarized	No

Understanding the Prelien Process on Construction Projects in Kentucky by Role

Prime contractors are not required to send a preliminary notice. Subcontractors and material suppliers must send notice to the owner to preserve lien rights on contracts under $1,000 or involving owner-occupied dwellings.

Prime / Original / General Contractors (GCs): Private/commercial: no preliminary notice is required for prime contractors to preserve lien rights.
Subcontractors / Trade Partners (Subs): Private/commercial: must provide written notice to the property owner within 75 days (if contract is under $1,000 or on owner-occupied dwelling) or 120 days after last furnishing in other cases.
Second-tier subcontractors: Private/commercial: same rules as subcontractors; notice must be given to owner within 75 or 120 days depending on project type.
Lower-tier subcontractors: Private/commercial: follow the same notice rules and deliver notice to owner within the statutory timeframe.
Material suppliers: Private/commercial: must provide written notice to owner within 75 days (if contract is under $1,000 or on owner-occupied dwelling) or within 120 days in all other cases.
Equipment lessors: Private/commercial: treated as a material supplier under lien statute; same timeframes apply.
Second-tier material suppliers: Private/commercial: must notify the owner within 75 or 120 days depending on project classification and contract amount.

Possible Exceptions, Special Circumstances, and Caveats in Kentucky

Owner Occupied Residential: Yes, notice must be given within 75 days for owner-occupied dwellings.

Residential: Yes, notice is required for owner-occupied residential property.

Mechanic's Liens in Kentucky

In Kentucky, a Statement of Lien must be filed within 6 months after the last furnishing of labor or materials. For contracts over $1,000 or for owner-occupied dwellings, notice to the owner is required within 75 or 120 days depending on contract size. For all other liens, notice must be given within 7 days of filing. An action to enforce the lien must be brought within 12 months of the filing date.

Bond Claims in Kentucky

Public works bond claims in Kentucky are governed by KRS § 376.210 et seq. Claimants must file a lawsuit to recover unpaid amounts under the bond within 6 months from the last date of labor or material furnishing. There is no statutory preliminary notice required on public projects, but contractors should request a copy of the payment bond to confirm terms.

Construction Lien Waivers in Kentucky

Required format: Kentucky does not require any specific statutorily required verbiage to be valid but be sure to check with your construction attorney and consult any relevant state statutes.

Required notarization: Kentucky does not require waivers to be notarized.

Kentucky law does not mandate statutory waiver forms. Lien waivers are generally governed by contract. Conditional and unconditional waivers may be enforceable depending on context.

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 Kentucky 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.

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Not only do we provide the tools, knowledge, and team to help you feel confident your rights are secured—we’re prepared for the trenches and ready to coordinate with your legal team when things “go sideways” on a project.

Our Guide to Preliens, Waivers, Mechanic’s Liens, and Bond Claims in Kentucky