Knowing your lien laws is the first, integral step in your journey to proper payment for your work. We’re here to take away the complexity and confusion and give it to you straight. If you work in Kentucky and need to know the construction lien and bond claim laws, this is the site for you. Here, we break down exactly what the state of Kentucky requires for you to properly file a valid lien and bond claim.
How to File a Valid Lien in Kentucky:
- You must send a notice of intent to lien within seventy-five (75) days of the last work performed if the amount you are owed is $1,000 or less.
- If you are owed more than $1,000, notice of intent to lien must be sent within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the last work performed.
- If it is an Owner-occupied single or double-family dwelling, notice of intent to file a lien must be sent within seventy-five (75) days of last work.
- The lien must be filed within six (6) months of last work and a copy of the lien that was filed must be sent to the Owner within seven (7) days of filing.
- You have twelve (12) months to bring suit to enforce the lien.
How to Have a Valid Bond Claim in Kentucky:
- Payment bonds are required on all public projects over $40,000.
- Place 4* and below Contractors do not have bond claim rights.
- You must comply with the notice requirements contained in the bond.
- You can have a lien on unpaid funds on a public works project.
- To have a lien on funds due to a general contractor on a public project you must file a verified statement of lien in the county where the government that owns the property is located.
- The verified statement of lien must be filed within sixty (60) days of your last work or materials supplied or by the date of substantial completion of the project, whichever is later.
- You must send a verified/attested copy of the lien to the public authority.
- You must also send a verified/attested copy to the General Contractor and whoever hired you, if not the General Contractor, and you must send proof that you sent the verified/attested copy of the bond to the public authority.
If you work in Kentucky, it is essential that you have a grasp of the information above. Your lien rights are in place to protect you and filing a valid construction lien in a timely manner is the best way you can ensure you are financially compensated for the work you do. If you’d like someone else to take care of filing your lien or bond claim, and do it the right way, contact a professional Kentucky lien lawyer who is experienced with construction law. Our sister company, The Cromeens Law Firm, has a lien and collections team ready to take care of it for you. A valid lien is your golden ticket to payment.
*The “places” referenced in the rules above correlate to the Construction Food Chain Chart from Karalynn Cromeens’ book,
Quit Getting Stiffed. The chart can be found here to use when following these lien and bond rules.