Lien in Iowa
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Iowa requires mechanic's liens to be filed within 90 days of last work or material delivery, with strict notice rules.
How Iowa treats Lien
Iowa law permits contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers to file mechanic's liens on real property within 90 days after the last date of furnishing labor or materials. The state requires that lienholders provide notice to the property owner and general contractor before filing the lien in many cases. Iowa also recognizes judgment liens, which attach to real property when a creditor files a judgment in the county recorder's office. Liens are enforced according to their priority, with properly recorded liens binding the property against subsequent creditors.
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 Iowa.