A Montana mechanic’s lien is used by unpaid tradespeople and suppliers to seek compensation from a property owner by putting a claim against an owner’s property. The lien appears on a property’s public record, making it difficult for the owner to sell or refinance it until the lien is satisfied.

Unless exempt under § 71-3-531(1), a Notice of Right to Claim lien must be provided to the owner within twenty (20) days from the day labor or materials were first furnished. Furthermore, a copy of the mechanic’s lien must be served to each property owner prior to filing with the county clerk; this may be done by certified mail or in person.