Ohio Notice of Commencement

County Specific Legal Forms Validated as recently as June 8, 2026 by our Forms Development Team

About the Ohio Notice of Commencement

Ohio Notice of Commencement
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How to Use This Form

  1. Select your county from the list on the left
  2. Download the county-specific form
  3. Fill in the required information
  4. Have the document notarized if required
  5. Record with your county recorder's office

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Under Ohio Revised Code 1311.04, an owner of real property must serve notice on any potential lien claimant. The form of notice is called a Notice of Commencement. The purpose of the Notice of Commence is to protect property owners and provide notice to any potential lien claimant that the project is commencing.

Prior to the performance of any labor or work or the furnishing of any materials for an improvement on real property which may give rise to a mechanics lien under sections 1311.01 to 1311.22 of the Revised Code, the owner, part owner, or lessee who contracts for the labor, work, or materials shall record, in the office of the county recorder for each county in which the real property to be improved is located, a notice of commencement in substantially the form specified by 1311.04(A)(1).

The Notice of Commencement includes the names and addresses of all owners, part-owners, and lessees attached to the project, a description of the property, a description of the improvement, names and addresses of all contractors, and information for any lenders or sureties. Then complete the following steps:

1) File the notice of commencement with the county recorder's office in the county where the project is located;

2) Serve a copy of the notice to the original contractor(s) via certified or registered US mail, with return receipt requested;

3) Post the notice at the project site;

4) Amend the notice to add any additional original contractors during the project; and

5) Provide copies of the Notice of Commencement to any potential lien claimant who is requesting a copy.

Complete the notice correctly, using accurate information. If the notice of commencement contains incorrect details, that same owner, part owner, or lessee is liable for any loss of a claimant's lien rights, and any actual expenses incurred by the lien claimant in maintaining lien rights, including attorney's fees, if the loss and expenses incurred are a direct result of the lien claimant's reliance on the incorrect information. Ohio Rev. Code 1311.04(C). In addition, if a lien is eventually filed using the incorrect information provide in the notice, any lien claimant who has included the information in his or her lien affidavit by relying on incorrect information contained in the Notice of Commencement, is entitled to file an amended affidavit for a lien. 1311.04(C). Notices of Commencement expire after six years unless the notice or an amendment to the notice states otherwise. Ohio Rev. Code 1311.04(S)

Every case is unique, so contact an attorney for complex situations, with specific questions about the Notice of Commencement, or for any other issue related to mechanic's liens in Ohio.

How to Use This Form

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

What Others Like You Are Saying

— Cecelia S.

"I was looking for a copy of my deed and was able to complete the request and get copy fast."

— Sara M.

"Efficient, well written documents"

— Sam A.

"User friendly website and deeds are very easy to maneuver. I'm very happy with everything Deeds.com …"

— Eric L.

"Great service, but still needs some knowledge to complete. Also missing Michigan right to farm parag…"

— Raymond C.

"Fast and relaible service every time. I wouldn't use any other service. I love deeds.com"

Common Uses for Notice of Commencement

  • Notify a property owner of unpaid construction debts
  • Document a change order that affects the scope of a project
  • Protect payment rights for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work
  • Protect your right to payment for home improvement work

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our notice of commencement forms are specifically formatted for each county in Ohio.

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.