A Michigan mechanic’s lien is a legal document that puts a claim on an owner’s property when they have failed to pay suppliers or contractors on a construction project. This claim puts pressure on the owner to pay as they will have difficulty selling or refinancing the property with a lien on it.  The document should contain the description of the property, the date on which labor or materials was last furnished, and the amount the contractor or supplier is owed. Much of this information can be found on the Notice of Commencement, which must be filed by the owner or lessee of the property prior to construction beginning.

Once completed, the mechanic’s lien needs to be recorded with the County Clerk in the county where the property is located. The lien must then be served to the property owner within fifteen (15) days of recording.