TNTennessee
Tennessee Lien Deadlines for Material Suppliers
Material suppliers in Tennessee have specific rights to file a mechanics lien if they aren't paid. However, Tennessee law requires strict adherence to notice and filing deadlines. If you miss a deadline by even one day, your lien rights may be extinguished forever. This guide outlines the critical steps for suppliers to secure their payment rights.
Public date calculations cover Florida and Kansas. Tennessee dates require qualified review.
Risk context
Tennessee is High Risk for Suppliers
Tennessee has strict deadlines. Always calculate your specific deadline based on your last furnishing date.
Deadline schedule
Tennessee Mechanics Lien Deadlines (Updated 2026)
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| Deadline Type | Timing | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lien Filing Deadline | 90 days after completion/abandonment | Must be filed with the county recorder/clerk. |
| Enforcement Deadline | 90 days after filing | Lawsuit to foreclose on the lien must be filed by this date. |
| Preliminary Notice | Notice of Non-Payment monthly (within 90 days of month supplied) | Required to preserve your right to file a lien later. |
| Statutes | Governing statutes | TCA §66-11-101 et seq.; §§112,145,146 |
Supplier pitfalls
Common Supplier Mistakes in Tennessee
Missing the monthly Notice of Non-Payment
Many suppliers fail to send the required preliminary notice early in the project, invalidating their future lien rights.
Filing the lien after 90 days
Waiting too long to file. The deadline is strict and often does not extend for weekends or holidays.
Missing the 90-day enforcement deadline
Filing a lien is not enough; you must enforce it (file a lawsuit) before the enforcement period expires.
Deadline calculator
Not Sure Which Deadline Applies?
Use this Tennessee guide and collect your project facts for qualified review.
Review Tennessee project factsThe public calculator provides dates only for reviewed Florida and Kansas scenarios; it does not calculate a Tennessee date.
Important note