A Notice of Intent to Lien is formally required in nine states.
In these states, notices of intent must be sent prior to the filing of a mechanics lien claim.
The following states require the sending of a Notice of Intent to Lien.
[1] Sending a Notice of Intent is often helpful even if it is not required because it motivates top-of-chain parties to make payment in order to avoid facing a claim of lien.
Delayed payment on construction projects often results from a lack of communication, so sending Notices of Intent and other preliminary notices can help inform parties higher up the payment chain of who is working for them and who has not been paid.