Lien in Colorado

State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate

Quick summary

Colorado recognizes mechanic's liens on real property with strict 90-day notice and filing requirements.

How Colorado treats Lien

Contractors and suppliers must file a mechanic's lien within 90 days of last providing labor or materials, or the right is lost. Colorado law requires preliminary notice to the property owner before work begins in many cases. Liens attach to the property itself and survive foreclosure if properly perfected. The lien amount is limited to the contract price or reasonable value of work performed.

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 Colorado.