Connecticut mechanic's lien and public bond deadlines

Connecticut's mechanic's lien law is chapter 847 of the General Statutes. This is a summary, not legal advice.

Recording and service

A lien is valid only if the claimant lodges a sworn certificate with the town clerk within 90 days after ceasing to perform services or furnish materials, and serves a true and attested copy on the owner no later than 30 days after lodging it (CGS § 49-34). Note that Connecticut records liens in the town, not the county.

Subcontractors and suppliers

Anyone other than the original contractor (or a sub whose written contract was assented to in writing by the owner) must give the owner and original contractor written notice of intent to claim a lien, after starting and no later than 90 days after ceasing work (CGS § 49-35).

Foreclosure

A lien lapses one year after it is perfected unless the claimant starts a foreclosure action and records a lis pendens within that year (CGS § 49-39).

Public works

State and municipal public building or public works contracts over $100,000 require a payment bond in the amount of the contract (CGS § 49-41). An unpaid claimant enforces the bond by serving a notice of claim on the surety, with a copy to the contractor, no later than 180 days after last supplying work or materials (CGS § 49-42).

Summary for general information, reviewed 2026-10-30. Not legal advice; check the source before relying on a deadline or threshold.