Subcontractors on a construction job occasionally need to fight for payment from the prime contractor. Many property owners are unaware of the participation of lower-tiered contractors on the job. These subcontractors can claim mechanic's lien rights against the property owner even if the owner paid the contractor in full. However, this right only exists if the owner is served proper notice. In turn, after receiving the notice, the owner can rightfully withhold payment from the contractor to ensure these other parties are paid as to avoid any liens against the owner.

A payment to the original contractor by the owner of any part or all of the contract price of the building or improvement within ninety (90) days after the date on which the last of the materials was furnished or the last of the labor was performed by a subcontractor, does not relieve the owner from liability to the subcontractor for the full value of any material furnished or labor performed upon the building, land, or improvement if the subcontractor files a lien within ninety (90) days after the date on which the last of the materials was furnished or the last of the labor was performed. I.C. 572.14(1).

In the case of an owner-occupied dwelling, a mechanic's lien is enforceable only to the extent of the balance due the principal contractor by the owner-occupant prior to the owner-occupant being served with the notice specified in subsection. I.C. 572.14(2).

This notice may be served by delivering it to the owner or the owner's spouse personally, or by mailing it to the owner by certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt to the person mailing the notice, or by personal service as provided in the rules of civil procedure. Id.

The Notice to Owner contains: 1) the name of the owner, 2) the address of the property charged with the lien, 3) the name, address and telephone number of the lien claimant, and 4) a statement that the individual serving the Notice may have lien rights. I.C. 572.14(3).

This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice from a legal professional. Please contact an Iowa attorney with any questions about sending notice to property owners or anything else with regard to mechanic's liens.

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

What Others Like You Are Saying

— David H.

"Exceeded expectations; bundle included not only the form but also detailed instructions and definiti…"

— RALPH B.

"THE BEST SERVICE WAS ON TIME AS STATED DID ALL THE WORK NEED IN A VERY PROFESSIONAL MANNER GREAT FOL…"

— Joan P.

"Thank you for combining all necessary documents in one simple location."

— Irene G.

"Excellent service for anyone doing their own deed filing without the use of a title company or an at…"

— Mary D.

"So far, understanding the process involved to get these forms was simple. I would like to have known…"

Common Uses for Subcontractor Notice to Owner

File a final lien waiver after project completion and payment
Document a lien waiver upon receipt of progress payment
File a lien to prevent property sale until payment is received
Provide notice of intent to file a lien for unpaid work

Compare other Iowa deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Gift Deed Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Correction Deed Easement Deed Termination, Cancellation of Easement / Right of Way Affidavit of Surviving Joint Tenant Trustee Warranty Deed Court Officer Deed Affidavit of Individual Trustee Affidavit of Corporate Trustee Purchaser Affidavit Mineral Deed Mineral Deed with Quitclaim Covenants Real Estate Mortgage and Promissory Note Release of Real Estate Mortgage Assignment of Real Estate Mortgage Real Estate Contract-Installments Full Release of Real Estate Contract Memorandum of Contract Full Release of Memorandum of Contract General Power of Attorney Limited Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Real Property Limited Power of Attorney for the Sale of Real Property Disclaimer of Interest Certificate of Trust Contractor Notice to Owner Claim of Mechanics Lien Verified Statement of Account Notice to Primary Contractor Subcontractor Claim of Mechanics Lien Certificate of Satisfaction Conditional Lien Waiver upon Progress Payment Unconditional Waiver upon Progress Payment Conditional Lien Waiver on Final Payment Unconditional Waiver on Final Payment

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our subcontractor notice to owner forms are specifically formatted for each county in Iowa.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

Back to Iowa Forms