Connecticut Mechanic's Lien Template

Filing Deadline

Lien certificate must be lodged with the town clerk within 90 days after the claimant ceases to perform services or furnish materials on the project (CGS § 49-34).

Clock starts: Last date the claimant actually performed labor or delivered materials to the project. Punch-list or warranty/repair work generally does NOT restart the clock — only original contract work counts.

Where to Record

Town clerk's office in the town where the property is physically located (Connecticut has no county recording — land records are maintained at the town/municipal level). For example, property in Hartford is recorded with the Hartford Town & City Clerk; property in Bridgeport with the Bridgeport Town Clerk. Recording fees are governed by CGS § 7-34a (typically $60 for the first page and $5 for each additional page, subject to change by individual town).

Notarization

Required — document must be sworn before a notary.

CGS § 49-34 requires the lien certificate be 'subscribed and sworn to' by the claimant. Connecticut courts (e.g., J.C. Penney Properties v. Peter M. Santella Co.) have held that a standard acknowledgm

Service Requirement

A true and attested copy of the recorded lien certificate must be served upon the property owner not later than 30 days after the certificate is lodged with the town clerk (CGS § 49-34(2)). Service must be made by an 'indifferent person, state marshal or other proper officer' by leaving a true and attested copy with the owner personally, or at the owner's usual place of abode if within the town where the property is located. If the owner does not reside in that town, service may be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner's last known address. If the owner cannot be found and has no agent in the state, service may be made by publication. The Notice of Intent (for non-privity claimants under § 49-35) must be served on BOTH owner and GC by the same methods.