How to File a Mechanics Lien in Arizona

Need help filing your lien in Arizona? Download a FREE lien form (https://www.levelset.com/mechanics-li...) and follow along the video, or do it stress-free through Levelset at https://app.levelset.com/wizard/Selec....

Read the full blog post here: https://www.levelset.com/blog/how-to-....
Get free help from construction lawyers and experts here: https://www.levelset.com/payment-help....

-Who has the right to file a Mechanics Lien in Arizona? (0:14)
You need to comply with Preliminary Notice requirements in Arizona to file a valid lien.

-How should I prepare my Arizona Mechanics Lien form? What information should be included? (0:33)
Your Arizona Mechanics Lien needs to be in the right format. You can download a free form at: https://www.levelset.com/mechanics-li....

Make sure your Arizona lien contains the following information:
A property description,
The name of owner and hiring party,
The claim amount,
The terms of construction contract that the lien is based on,
The date of completion of the entire project,
A copy of your 20-day notice and proof of mailing, and
And it must be signed and notarized.

-What should I do with the terms of contract requirement in Arizona? (1:27)
If the construction contract is written, you should include a copy with the lien claim. If the contract is oral, this just requires a simple statement outlining the terms and conditions.

-When should I file my Arizona Mechanics Lien? (1:49)
Generally, an Arizona Mechanics Lien must be recorded within 120 days of completion of the construction or improvement of the entire project.
If the property owner records a Notice of Completion, you’ll only have 60 days to file your lien after this notice of completion is recorded.

-How do I know if the property owner has recorded a Notice of Completion in Arizona? (2:28)
If the owner files a Notice of Completion, they’re also legally required to serve a copy of the notice within 15 days to anyone who sent a Preliminary Notice. If the owner didn’t send a copy of the notice, you can just stick to the 120-day deadline.

-What office should I go to to file my Arizona Mechanics Lien? (2:45)
You should file your lien claim in the county recorder’s office where the property being liened is located.

-What documents are needed when I file my Arizona Mechanics Lien? (3:04)
If you’re filing in person, be sure to bring multiple blank checks so you can make sure you get the filing fee right.
If you’re filing by mail, you’ll need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with return instructions if you want to receive a stamped copy of the recorded lien for your records.
If you’re filing electronically, make sure the digital upload is both formatted properly and is legible.

-What’s the best way to file my Mechanics Lien in Arizona? (3:46)
Filing in person is definitely the best option and will ensure that your lien gets recorded that day.

-How should I serve my Mechanics Lien in Arizona? (4:07)
You should send a copy of the lien to the property owner by registered or certified mail, with return receipt requested, “within a reasonable time” after your lien is recorded. The best practice here is to send the notice on the same day you filed your claim.

-How long will my Arizona Mechanics Lien stay effective? (4:48)
It will only be effective for 6 months after filing.

-What should I do after my Arizona Mechanics Lien is recorded? (4:37)
You’ll want to enforce your lien, meaning foreclosing on the property, or release your lien as soon as you get paid.

-What is a Notice of Lis Pendens in Arizona? (5:00)
If you do decide to enforce your lien rights, you’ll also need to file a Notice of Lis Pendens. This is simply a notice that there is currently a legal action being taken that affects the property. It needs to be recorded in the county recorder’s office where the lien was filed within 5 days of filing the lawsuit.

Levelset’s mission is to empower contractors to always get what they earn. Levelset’s products help millions in the construction industry each year to make payment paperwork and compliance easier, get cash faster, monitor the risk on jobs and contractors, and better understand payment processes and rules. The results are faster payments, access to capital, and fewer surprises. Backed by investors like Horizons Ventures, S3 Ventures, Altos Ventures, Operating Venture Capital, and Brick & Mortar Ventures, Levelset is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, with offices in Austin, Texas, and Cairo, Egypt, and is over 200 employees strong. Learn more at www.levelset.com.

Want to become a payment expert? Subscribe to get notified when new construction payment videos are uploaded: https://www.youtube.com/c/levelset?su...