New Jersey Private Time Frames

Step 1: Notice

Commercial Projects: (Non-Residential): No Requirement, NACM suggests serving notice 45 days from last furnishing to prompt payment.
Residential Projects: Residential means any “residential community”. Notice of Unpaid Balance 60 day of last furnishing handled by Attorney. (see below)

Step 2: Lien

Commercial Projects: (Non-Residential): File within 90 days of last furnishing and serve Owner within 10 days.
Residential Projects: Serve and file with the Clerk’s Office the Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien together with a demand for the arbitration process with the American Arbitration Association (AAA) within 60 days of last furnishing. After the AAA has made its decision lien must be filed within 120 days of last furnishing.
- All requests for Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien should be made to MLBS within 45 Days from last furnishing.
- File Lien within 120 days, but not later than 10 days after receipt by the lien claimant of the arbitrator’s determination. Serve Owner within 10 days of filing.

Step 3: Foreclosure

Within 1 year of last furnishing unless the owner serves a written notice to commence than within 30 days of notice to commence.