Rhode Island mechanics’ lien deadlines
Rhode Island deadline calculator
Based on the general 200-day period from last furnishing. Exceptions apply — treat this as a planning estimate, not legal advice.
Filing deadline
There is no separate 'lien claim' filing - mailing plus recording the Notice of Intention in the local land evidence records perfects the lien for furnishings within the trailing 200-day window and going forward. Architects and engineers get an alternate deadline: the later of 200 days after performance or 10 days after visible commencement of construction.
Notice prerequisites
Two distinct notices. (1) Anyone contracting DIRECTLY with the project owner/lessee/tenant (except material suppliers) must give the Notice of Possible Mechanic's Lien (§ 34-28-4.1) — included in the written contract or sent by certified mail RRR before commencing work — or lien rights are lost (and the defaulting contractor must indemnify the owner against lower-tier liens). (2) The core perfection document is the Notice of Intention to Do Work or Furnish Materials: mail it certified/registered RRR to the record owner before or within 200 days of the work, and record a copy in the town/city land evidence records within 200 days. It reaches back only 200 days, so long jobs need periodic re-notices. Undeliverable mail must be recorded with the envelope within 30 days of return.
Service on the owner
The Notice of Intention mailing to the owner of record (last known residence/business, else the property address) is itself the service step and precedes/accompanies recording. In the enforcement suit, the clerk advertises and issues citations, and the plaintiff mails the advertisement to every notice-of-intention filer at least 10 days before the return date.
Enforcement
Very fast: within 40 days of recording the Notice of Intention the claimant must record a Notice of Lis Pendens AND file the Complaint to Enforce in the superior court of the county where the land lies (complaint due within 7 days after the lis pendens). Missing the 40-day window voids the lien. Rival lienors must appear and file an Account and Demand within 20 days after the citation return day. Nonjury proceeding.
R.I. Gen. Laws sec. 34-28-1 to 34-28-37 (esp. 34-28-4, -4.1 Notice of Possible Lien, -7, -10, -17, -25)