Lien in Arizona
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Arizona requires mechanic's lien claimants to file within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials to the project.
How Arizona treats Lien
Arizona's 90-day deadline is shorter than many states and runs from the last date the claimant provided labor, materials, or services. Claimants must serve preliminary notice on the owner and general contractor before commencing work or within a short window thereafter to preserve full lien rights. Arizona law allows liens on both residential and commercial property, and the lien amount is limited to the contract price or the reasonable value of work performed. Failure to provide preliminary notice may reduce the claimant's recovery to amounts actually paid by the owner.
The general definition of Lien
A legal claim against property to secure payment of a debt or obligation.
A lien gives someone the right to hold or sell another person's property if a debt isn't paid. For instance, a mechanic who fixes your car might place a lien on it, meaning you can't sell or transfer the car until you pay the repair bill. The person holding the lien doesn't own the property, but they have a legal interest in it that must be satisfied before the owner can freely sell it.
Read the full Lien entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.