How to File a Mechanics Lien in Colorado

Download a FREE lien form (levelset.com/blog/how-to-file-mechanics-lien-co…) and follow along if you’re filing it yourself, or do it stress-free through Levelset: app.levelset.com/wizard/SelectDocument/1.

-What documents are required to be sent before I file a lien in Colorado? (0:22)
All Colorado lien claimants must send a Notice of Intent to Lien at least 10 days before filing their actual lien claim.

-Step 1: Prepare your Colorado Mechanics Lien document (1:10)
You can download free Colorado Mechanics Lien forms on levelset.com.
Free Colorado Mechanics Lien forms for subs and suppliers: levelset.com/mechanics-lien/colorado-statement-….
Free Colorado Mechanics Lien forms for GCs: levelset.com/mechanics-lien/colorado-statement-….
A Colorado mechanics lien must be signed and sworn-to by the party claiming the lien, or someone on their behalf. It must also be notarized, and MUST contain the following information:
Name of property owner;
Your information;
GC’s information if you’re not the GC yourself;
Property description sufficient for identification;
Correct lien amount;
An affidavit of serving the notice of intent to lien at least 10 days before filing a lien;
And signature and notarization.

-Step 2: Serve your Colorado Mechanics Lien (2:47)
Since this isn’t an “official” step, you can choose how and when you want to send the lien to the owner.

-When should I file my Mechanics Lien in Colorado? (3:38)
Most claimants must file their lien no later than 4 months after the last day labor or material was provided to the project. Punch list items and remedial work will not extend this timeframe.
If you’re a laborer who didn’t provide materials to the project, you must file the lien after the last labor was performed and within 2 months of project completion.
For a one or two family home, the normal 4-month lien deadline can be shortened to 2 months if the home is sold to a bona fide purchaser who isn’t aware of the potential lien claim.

-Step 3: File your Mechanics Lien with the appropriate county recording office in Colorado (4:20)
Generally, the lien must be filed with the county recorder’s office in the county where the work was performed.

-How can I record my Mechanics Liens in Colorado? (4:49)
Most counties in Colorado allow for Mechanics Liens to be electronically recorded if you have an account with an electronic recording system - and creating one is pretty easy. Otherwise, the lien may be delivered to the proper county via mail or FedEx, or personally “walked in” to be recorded.

-What documents are required if I want to e-record my Mechanics Lien in Colorado? (5:11)
If you choose to e-record, only one copy of the lien will be required. Make sure a copy of the affidavit of service of the notice of intent to lien is uploaded as an exhibit, too.

-What documents are required if I want to personally deliver or mail my Mechanics Lien to the appropriate county in Colorado? (5:24)
In either situation, you’ll need to send 2 Original Copies of your Lien & Affidavit of Delivery. One copy is for the recorder to keep and record. The second copy is for the recorder to return to you.
You should also bring multiple blank checks to get the filing fee right. If you’re mailing it in, call ahead and ask the recorder for the relevant fees.
You must prove the lien was served by having an affidavit executed indicating the notice was served personally or mail served. This affidavit and the notice of intent must eventually be attached with the mechanics lien filed in the county’s recording office.
You should also make sure the margins and paper size are correct for the county.

-How long is my Colorado Mechanics Lien effective for? What should I do after I record my Mechanics Lien in Colorado? (6:38)
A Colorado Mechanics Lien only stays effective for 6 months of the date the project was completed, or labor or materials were last furnished to the project. After this 6-month period, if the lien isn’t foreclosed, it will become void and unenforceable. You’ll likely want to either enforce the lien or release the lien by the time your 6-month deadline is approaching.

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