Lien in Kentucky
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Kentucky mechanic's liens must be filed within 90 days of last work; failure to file within this period extinguishes the lien claim.
How Kentucky treats Lien
Kentucky law, found in Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 376, requires mechanic's lien claimants to file a notice of lien in the county clerk's office within 90 days after the last date labor or materials were furnished. This strict deadline is mandatory and cannot be extended by agreement. Kentucky also recognizes judgment liens, tax liens, and consensual liens (such as mortgages). The state follows a priority system where liens generally attach in the order they are properly filed or perfected.
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 Kentucky.