The processes required to file your construction liens can be convoluted because there are different laws for each of the 50 states. This often makes finding the specific lien laws you need to abide by a little complicated. We’re here to take away the complexity and confusion and give it to you straight. If you work in Utah and need to know the lien laws, this is the place for you. Here, we break down exactly what the state of Utah requires for you to properly file a valid lien and bond claim.
How to File a Valid Lien in Utah:
- For Private Bond claim rights:
- For all private projects more than $50,000, the Owner is required to obtain a payment bond for the full contract amount.
- Place 2* and below: Contractors must file a “preliminary notice” with the State Construction Registry within twenty (20) days of first work and/or material supplied.
- You must file suit to enforce your private bond claim within one (1) year of the last work performed and/or material supplied.
For Lien Rights in Utah:
- To have a lien for preconstruction services you must file a “Notice of Preconstruction Services” with the State Construction Registry within twenty (20) days of the first time work was performed.
- A lien for preconstruction services must be filed with the County Clerk where the property is located within ninety (90) days of completion of the preconstruction services.
- To have a lien for construction services you must file a “Notice of Construction Services” with the State Construction Registry within Twenty (20) days of first work and/or materials supplied.
- A lien for construction services must be filed within ninety (90) days of the notice of completion being filed with the State Construction Registry or within one hundred and eighty (180) days of final completion of the project if no notice of completion is filed.
- You must send a notice of the lien that was filed to the Owner within thirty (30) days of being filed.
- You have one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date the lien was filed to file suit to enforce the lien.
How to Have a Valid Bond Claim in Utah:
- Payment Bonds are required on public projects.
- You must file a “Preliminary Notice” with the State Construction Registry within twenty (20) days of first work and/or materials supplied.
- You have a bond claim if you are not paid in full within ninety (90) days of the last work and/or material supplied.
- You must file suit to enforce your bond claim within one (1) year of the last work and/or material supplied.
If you work in Utah, ensure you collect the cash you are owed by following the rules above. You deserve to be compensated for the work you do. To lock down your strategy for filing a lien in Utah, listen into this comprehensive episode of The Quit Getting Screwed Construction Podcast! If you’d prefer someone else take care of filing your construction lien or bond, and do it the right way, contact an experienced Utah lien lawyer who knows construction law. Our sister company, The Cromeens Law Firm, has a 90% success rate of collections before having to foreclose on a lien, saving you costly legal fees. Protect your livelihood and sharpen your collection strategy. File your liens the right way.
*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.