Maryland Notice to Owner
County or Independent City Specific Legal Forms Validated as recently as April 27, 2026 by our Forms Development Team
About the Maryland Notice to Owner
How to Use This Form
- Select your county or independent city from the list on the left
- Download the county or independent city-specific form
- Fill in the required information
- Have the document notarized if required
- Record with your county or independent city recorder's office
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Before filing or recording a mechanic's lien in Maryland, lien claimants must serve the owner (or the owner's agent) with a preliminary notice. In Maryland, this is called a "Notice to Owner of Intention to Claim a Lien." The required type of notice and time limitations depend on who the customer is and what kind of job is involved.
A subcontractor doing work or furnishing materials or both for or about a building other than a single-family dwelling being erected on the owner's land for his own residence is not entitled to a lien under this subtitle unless, within 120 days after doing the work or furnishing the materials, the subcontractor gives written notice of an intention to claim a lien. Md. Real Prop. Code, section 9-104(a)(1).
With regard to residential dwellings, a subcontractor doing work or furnishing materials or both for a single family dwelling being erected on the owner's land for his own residence is not entitled to a lien under this subtitle unless, within 120 days after doing work or furnishing materials for or about that project, the subcontractor gives written notice of an intention to claim a lien as described above, and the owner has not made full payment to the contractor prior to receiving the notice. Md. Real Prop. Code, section 9-104(b).
A valid notice identifies the parties, the location and nature of services and/or materials, fees and amounts paid, as well as any information relevant to the specific situation.
The notice is effective if given by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or personally delivered to the owner by the claimant or his agent. Md. Real Prop. Code, section 9-104(c). If there is more than one owner, the subcontractor may comply with this requirement by giving the notice to any of the owners. Id.
If notice cannot be given on account of absence or other causes, the subcontractor, or his agent, in the presence of a competent witness and within 120 days, may place the notice on the door or other front part of the building. Md. Real Prop. Code, section 9-104(e). Notice by posting is sufficient in all cases where the owner of the property has died and his successors in title do not appear on the public records of the county. Id.
On receipt of this notice, the owner may withhold, from sums due the contractor, the amount the owner ascertains to be due the subcontractor giving the notice. Md. Real Prop. Code, section 9-104(f)(1). If the subcontractor giving notice establishes a lien, the contractor shall receive only the difference between the amount due him and that due the subcontractor giving the notice. Md. Real Prop. Code, section 9-104(f)(2).
The lien of the subcontractor against a single family dwelling being erected on the land of the owner for his own residence shall not exceed the amount by which the owner is indebted under the contract at the time the notice is given. Md. Real Prop. Code, section 9-104(f)(3).
This article is provided for informational purposes only. If you have questions about sending preliminary lien notices in Maryland, or any other issues related to property liens, please consult an attorney.
How to Use This Form
- Select your county or independent city from the list above
- Download the county or independent city-specific form
- Fill in the required information
- Have the document notarized if required
- Record with your county or independent city recorder's office
What Others Like You Are Saying
"very happy so far. Haven't gone to record deeds yet so am in good hopes everything will be in good o…"
"Absolutely wonderful customer service. I am very pleased with the service I received and highly reco…"
"This was a complete set of the necessary forms, with instructions. It will be very useful. Instant d…"
"I found the site very easy to use and upfront about the cost. I had tried two other sites both of wh…"
"Very hard to navigate and understand. Couldn't find what I was looking for."
Common Uses for Notice to Owner
- File a lien to prevent property sale until payment is received
- Protect a contractor's right to payment for work performed
- File a lien for unpaid construction or renovation work
- Establish priority of a construction lien on a property
- Protect payment rights for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work
- File a final lien waiver after project completion and payment
- Provide required pre-lien notice before filing a claim
Compare other Maryland deed forms and documents
Important: County or Independent City-Specific Forms
Our notice to owner forms are specifically formatted for each county or independent city in Maryland.
After selecting your county or independent city, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.