Ohio Mechanic’s Lien

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Below is an overview of the preliminary steps for filing a mechanic’s lien in the state of Ohio.

COMMERCIAL:

  • Upfront Notice:
    • Notice of Furnishing: Required within 21 days after first delivery.
      • BICA sends a combination notice that includes both the:
        1. Request for Notice of Commencement. A Notice of Commencement is required to be filed by the owner.  It provides the correct names and addresses for the Notice of Furnishing.
        2. The Notice of Furnishing itself, using the data we’ve been able to discover so far. This is done to make sure your legal requirement of filing this notice is fulfilled in case the Notice of Commencement is never returned to us or is late.
      • If the Notice of Commencement is sent to BICA, we re-verify all information on the job and if needed, re-send the Notice of Furnishing.
  • Follow-up Notice: There is no statutory follow-up notice.

RESIDENTIAL:

  • Upfront Notice: BICA sends a Courtesy Notice.
  • Follow-up Notice: There is no statutory follow-up notice.

PUBLIC:

  • Upfront Notice:
    • Notice of Furnishing: Required within 21 days after first delivery.
      • Not required if in direct contract with Contractor.
      • BICA sends a combination notice that includes both the:
        1. Request for Notice of Commencement. A Notice of Commencement is required to be filed by the owner.  It provides the correct names and addresses for the Notice of Furnishing.
        2. The Notice of Furnishing itself, using the data we’ve been able to discover so far. This is done to make sure your legal requirement of filing this notice is fulfilled in case the Notice of Commencement is never returned to us or is late.
      • If the Notice of Commencement is sent to BICA, we re-verify all information on the job and if needed, re-send the Notice of Furnishing.
  • Follow-up Notices (if not paid):
    • Affidavit of Amount Due: (Funds)
      • Required to be sent to the principal contractor and public authority within 120 days of last delivery.
      • This is essentially a lien and stop notice on funds not yet distributed.
      • This notice is available on the BICA member portal.
    • Statement of Amount Due: (Payment Bond)
      • Required to be sent to the Sureties on the bond within 90 days of completion of the contract by the principal contractor and acceptance of the public improvement.
      • This notice is available on the BICA member portal.

Throughout our site you can find more resources on the process of filing mechanic’s liens and preliminary notices. If you’re ready to get started, be sure to reach out to us on our contact page, or call us at (800) 722-2422.