Mississippi Preliminary Notice Guide
A Quick Reference for Contractors, Subcontractors & Material Suppliers
Introduction
Mississippi does not require a universal preliminary notice before work begins on most private construction projects. However, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, equipment rental companies, and design professionals should understand Mississippi’s mechanics lien laws and filing deadlines to protect their right to payment.
Although a preliminary notice is generally not required, mechanics lien claimants must comply with Mississippi’s statutory filing requirements and strict deadlines. Missing a required filing deadline may result in the loss of valuable lien rights.
Whether you’re working on a residential home, commercial building, or industrial project, understanding Mississippi’s lien laws is an important step toward protecting your financial interests.
Who Must Send a Preliminary Notice?
- Subcontractors
- Material Suppliers
- Equipment Rental Companies
- Labor Providers
- Specialty Trade Contractors
- Architects
- Engineers
- Surveyors
- Landscape Contractors
Who Receives the Notice?
If a mechanics lien becomes necessary, required documents are generally recorded and served in accordance with Mississippi law.
- Property Owner
- General Contractor
Key Deadlines
Key Deadlines | Deadline |
Preliminary Notice Requirements for Subcontractors Sub-subcontractors must provide a Mississippi preliminary notice to the general contractor (or to the owner if no GC exists) within 30 days of first furnishing labor and/or materials to the project. On single-family residential projects only, all parties who did not contract directly with the property owner must provide the owner with a “pre-lien written notice” (notice of intent to lien) at least 10 days prior to filing a claim of lien. | 30 days Sub-subcontractors must provide a Mississippi preliminary notice to the general contractor (or to the owner if no GC exists) within 30 days of first furnishing labor and/or materials to the project. On single-family residential projects only, all parties who did not contract directly with the property owner must provide the owner with a “pre-lien written notice” (notice of intent to lien) at least 10 days prior to filing a claim of lien. |
Mechanics Lien Deadline | 90 days The deadline to file a Mississippi mechanics lien is 90 days from the last date the claimant provided labor and/or materials to the project. |
Lien Enforcement Deadline | 180 days An action to enforce a Mississippi mechanics lien must be initiated within 180 days from the date on which the lien was filed. This deadline may not be extended, and missing the deadline will render the lien unenforceable. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can subcontractors file a mechanics lien?
Yes, if statutory requirements are met.
Can material suppliers file a mechanics lien?
Yes.
Does this apply to residential construction?
Yes.
Does this apply to commercial construction?
Yes.
When must a mechanics lien be filed?
Generally within 90 days after last furnishing.
What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
You may lose lien rights.
Do general contractors have lien rights?
Yes.
Can Caprenos prepare Mississippi lien documents?
Yes.
Why should I monitor lien deadlines?
To protect your right to payment.
How Caprenos Can Help
Caprenos helps contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, equipment providers, and design professionals prepare Mississippi lien documents, monitor filing deadlines, and protect their payment rights throughout Mississippi.
Disclaimer: All timelines, deadlines, and legal requirements provided are for informational purposes only, may vary based on applicable law and project-specific circumstances, and should always be confirmed with a qualified attorney.