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Alabama Lien Deadlines for Material Suppliers
Alabama requires a "Notice of Unpaid Lien" to be provided to the owner before filing a lien if you don't have a direct contract.
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Alabama is High Risk for Suppliers
Suppliers without a direct contract with the owner must provide a "Notice of Unpaid Lien" to the owner before filing a lien. Missing this step can invalidate your claim.
Alabama Lien Deadlines
| Deadline Type | Timing | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary/Notice | "Notice of Unpaid Lien" — before filing lien | Required for suppliers without direct contract with owner. |
| Lien Filing | 4 months after last providing materials | Must file lien by 4 months after last furnishing. |
| Enforcement | 6 months after debt becomes due | Suit to enforce must be filed within 6 months. |
| Statutes | Ala. Code § 35-11-210 et seq.; § 35-11-215; § 35-11-218; § 35-11-221 |
Common Supplier Mistakes in Alabama
Alabama Lien Deadlines
Deadline Type Timing Details Preliminary/Notice "Notice of Unpaid Lien" — before filing lien Required for suppliers without direct contract with owner. Lien Filing 4 months after last providing materials Must file lien by 4 months after last furnishing. Enforcement 6 months after debt becomes due Suit to enforce must be filed within 6 months. Statutes Ala. Code § 35-11-210 et seq.; § 35-11-215; § 35-11-218; § 35-11-221
Missing Preliminary Notice
Failing to send the required preliminary notice is the most common reason suppliers lose their lien rights in Alabama.
Late Lien Filing
The lien must be filed by the specific deadline. Even one day late invalidates the lien.
Missing Enforcement Deadline
Enforcement must occur within the statutory period after filing.
What notices are required?
Suppliers without a direct contract must provide a "Notice of Unpaid Lien" to the owner before filing the lien.
When must the lien be filed?
4 months after last providing materials.
What is the enforcement period?
6 months after debt becomes due.
What statutes apply?
Ala. Code § 35-11-210 et seq.; § 35-11-215; § 35-11-218; § 35-11-221
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Frequently Asked Questions
Missing Preliminary Notice
Failing to send the required preliminary notice is the most common reason suppliers lose their lien rights in Alabama.
Late Lien Filing
The lien must be filed by the specific deadline. Even one day late invalidates the lien.
Missing Enforcement Deadline
Enforcement must occur within the statutory period after filing.
What notices are required?
Suppliers without a direct contract must provide a "Notice of Unpaid Lien" to the owner before filing the lien.
When must the lien be filed?
4 months after last providing materials.
What is the enforcement period?
6 months after debt becomes due.
What statutes apply?
Ala. Code § 35-11-210 et seq.; § 35-11-215; § 35-11-218; § 35-11-221
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.