A North Dakota mechanic’s lien (also called a “construction lien”) enables unpaid workers and suppliers to file a claim against a property, applying pressure on the owner to pay the amount owed for services rendered. The lien will be recorded publicly as a part of the property’s record and remain attached to the property if it is sold to another party. The lien must be satisfied before the property can be transferred to a buyer or the owner can receive financing against the property.

Before filing a lien with the county recorder, the claimant must give the owner at least ten (10) days’ written notice (§ 35-27-02). Once the lien has been filed, the claimant will have three (3) years to enforce before it expires. However, if the property owner issues a written demand, the claimant will be required to commence legal action within thirty (30) days to avoid the lien’s expiration.