Mechanic's Liens 101

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This course discusses Minnesota and Wisconsin’s lien laws and requirements for filing and perfecting a construction lien. It also provides a comprehensive guide outlining potential hazards to keep in mind for contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers. Commonality and differences in MN and WI is referenced.

Course Outline

• Introduction
• What is a mechanic’s lien (and why is it valuable)?
• Who is entitled to a mechanic’s lien and who is not?
• The Process For Obtaining a Mechanic’s Lien - An Introduction
• Pre-Lien Notice and Contract Requirements
• Preserving Your Lien – the Mechanics Lien Statement
• Service and Notice of Your Lien
• Title Records, Multiple Liens, and Pre-Lawsuit Strategy
• Initiation of a Foreclosure on Your Mechanic’s Lien
• Common Lien and Release Headaches to Avoid

Learner Objectives

• The basics of mechanic’s liens
• Whether or not they are effective (and why)
• General tips to keep in mind
• How to prepare and file a mechanic’s lien
• What to do after you file a mechanic’s lien

Quiz Info

In order to receive continuing education credit(s), you will need to take a 10-question quiz following the course. To pass the quiz, you will need to achieve a score of 70% or higher. If you are unsuccessful, you will have an opportunity to repeat the quiz. Once you have successfully completed the quiz, you can download your continuing education certificate(s) showing the credit(s) that you have earned.

Credit Info

This course has been approved for one hour of MN residential contractor, remodeler, and roofer continuing education by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry and includes the required Business Management credit, and one hour of WI Dwelling Contractor Qualifier by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. 

If you are eligible to receive continuing education credits, your information will be electronically reported to the appropriate agency within 3 business days of course completion.

Access Info

Your online course is accessible 24/7. The course will be available to you through March 31, 2025.

Questions and Comments

Questions and comments related to the curriculum for this course may be submitted to the instructor at education@housingfirstmn.org.