Lien in Illinois
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Illinois permits broad lien rights, including mechanic's liens with a four-month filing deadline from project completion.
How Illinois treats Lien
Illinois law allows contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers to file mechanic's liens on real property within four months after the last date of furnishing labor or materials. The state requires notice to the property owner and general contractor in certain circumstances. Illinois also recognizes judgment liens, which arise automatically when a creditor obtains a court judgment and files it in the county recorder's office. The state enforces liens according to their recording date, with earlier liens generally taking priority.
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 Illinois.