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Colorado Lien Deadlines for Material Suppliers
Colorado 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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Colorado is High Risk for Suppliers
Colorado is High Risk for Suppliers You must serve a "Notice of Intent to Lien" at least 10 full days before filing the lien. Filing without this notice invalidates the lien.
Colorado Lien Deadlines
| Deadline Type | Timing | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary/Notice | "Notice of Intent to Lien" — 10 days before filing lien | Serve at least 10 full days before filing the lien. |
| Lien Filing | 4 months after last providing materials | Must file lien by 4 months after last furnishing. |
| Special | See details | Shortened to 2 months if bona fide purchaser; "Notice to Owner to withhold funds"; retainage note (15% payable 35 days after final completion). |
| Enforcement | 6 months after completion or last furnishing | Suit to enforce must be filed within 6 months. |
| Statutes | C.R.S. §38-22-101; §38-22-102; §38-22-103; §38-22-105; §38-22-107; §38-22-108; §38-22-109; §38-22-110; §38-22-113 |
Common Supplier Mistakes in Colorado
Colorado Lien Deadlines
Deadline Type Timing Details Preliminary/Notice "Notice of Intent to Lien" — 10 days before filing lien Serve at least 10 full days before filing the lien. Lien Filing 4 months after last providing materials Must file lien by 4 months after last furnishing. Special See details Shortened to 2 months if bona fide purchaser; "Notice to Owner to withhold funds"; retainage note (15% payable 35 days after final completion). Enforcement 6 months after completion or last furnishing Suit to enforce must be filed within 6 months. Statutes C.R.S. §38-22-101; §38-22-102; §38-22-103; §38-22-105; §38-22-107; §38-22-108; §38-22-109; §38-22-110; §38-22-113
Missing Preliminary Notice
Failing to send the required preliminary notice is the most common reason suppliers lose their lien rights in Colorado.
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?
A "Notice of Intent to Lien" must be served at least 10 full days before filing the lien.
When must the lien be filed?
4 months after last providing materials (2 months if bona fide purchaser involved).
What is the enforcement period?
6 months after completion or last furnishing.
What statutes apply?
C.R.S. §38-22-101; §38-22-102; §38-22-103; §38-22-105; §38-22-107; §38-22-108; §38-22-109; §38-22-110; §38-22-113
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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 Colorado.
Late Lien Filing
The lien must be filed by the specific deadline. Even one day late invalidates the lien.
What notices are required?
A "Notice of Intent to Lien" must be served at least 10 full days before filing the lien.
When must the lien be filed?
4 months after last providing materials (2 months if bona fide purchaser involved).
What is the enforcement period?
6 months after completion or last furnishing.
What statutes apply?
C.R.S. §38-22-101; §38-22-102; §38-22-103; §38-22-105; §38-22-107; §38-22-108; §38-22-109; §38-22-110; §38-22-113
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.