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Arizona Lien Deadlines for Material Suppliers
Arizona 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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Arizona is High Risk for Suppliers
Arizona is High Risk for Suppliers Arizona's 20-day preliminary notice is a common failure point for suppliers. If notice is late, lien rights may be limited to materials supplied in the prior 20 days — which can turn a valid receivable into an unsecured loss.
Arizona Lien Deadlines
| Deadline Type | Timing | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 20-Day Preliminary Notice | Within 20 days of first furnishing | Material suppliers must send the 20-day preliminary notice within 20 days of first providing materials. Late notice can limit lien rights to materials supplied in the prior 20 days. |
| Lien Filing Deadline | 120 days from project completion | Measured from completion of the project as a whole (not your last delivery). If you only track "last invoice date," you can miss the filing window. |
| Owner-Occupant Exception | Written contract requirement | Supplier lien rights can be affected on owner-occupied residential projects. If you're supplying into an owner-occupied job, verify contract requirements early. |
| Notice Method | Mail with proof | Notice may be sent by first class mail with certificate of mailing, or by registered/certified mail. Keep proof of mailing/service. |
| Enforcement Period | 6 months from lien filing | After recording the lien, enforcement must be initiated within 6 months, or the lien can become unenforceable. |
| Statutes | Arizona Revised Statutes | §33-993; §33-992.01; §33-998 |
Common Supplier Mistakes in Arizona
Arizona Lien Deadlines
Deadline Type Timing Details 20-Day Preliminary Notice Within 20 days of first furnishing Material suppliers must send the 20-day preliminary notice within 20 days of first providing materials. Late notice can limit lien rights to materials supplied in the prior 20 days. Lien Filing Deadline 120 days from project completion Measured from completion of the project as a whole (not your last delivery). If you only track "last invoice date," you can miss the filing window. Owner-Occupant Exception Written contract requirement Supplier lien rights can be affected on owner-occupied residential projects. If you're supplying into an owner-occupied job, verify contract requirements early. Notice Method Mail with proof Notice may be sent by first class mail with certificate of mailing, or by registered/certified mail. Keep proof of mailing/service. Enforcement Period 6 months from lien filing After recording the lien, enforcement must be initiated within 6 months, or the lien can become unenforceable. Statutes Arizona Revised Statutes §33-993; §33-992.01; §33-998
Sending the 20-day notice late
Suppliers often send notice after the first unpaid invoice. In Arizona, timing is tied to first furnishing — late notice can shrink what you can lien for.
Using invoice date instead of first delivery date
The notice clock is triggered by first furnishing materials — not billing. If your AR workflow keys off invoice date, you can miss the 20-day window.
Not keeping proof of mailing/service
Mail method and proof matter. Keep certificates/receipts so you can prove notice was sent correctly and on time.
Filing the lien but missing the enforcement deadline
Recording the lien isn't the finish line. Arizona enforcement must happen within 6 months from filing.
When is Arizona's 20-day notice due for suppliers?
Within 20 days of first furnishing materials. If you send it late, lien rights can be limited.
What if I send the 20-day notice late?
Late notice can reduce what you can lien for. Treat the 20-day window as a hard operational deadline.
Is the lien filing deadline based on my last delivery?
Arizona's filing deadline is measured from completion of the project as a whole, not your last delivery date. That's why tracking project status matters.
How should suppliers send the notice?
Use a mail method that provides proof (certificate of mailing, registered, or certified). Keep receipts in the job file.
How long do I have to enforce an Arizona lien?
Enforcement must be initiated within 6 months from filing the lien. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify deadlines with a licensed Arizona construction attorney.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I send the 20-day notice late?
Late notice can reduce what you can lien for. Treat the 20-day window as a hard operational deadline.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.