Illustration on Filing Mechanics Lien in Arizona

If you’re reading this, then there’s a good chance you haven’t been paid for a project, and you’re looking into filing a mechanics lien in Arizona. If it’s your first time, or if you don’t file liens often, it can feel like a lot of pressure.  

While filing a lien isn’t necessarily complicated, it is important that it’s filled out correctly and filed within the deadline. Mistakes on a mechanics lien can cause costly delays. You can file a lien on your own, but it can be helpful to have an expert on your side that knows the state requirements and double-check your information.

At Levelset, we help thousands of contractors and suppliers across the country with filing mechanics liens (and getting paid faster!), but we understand you still want to consider all of your options before selecting a partner. In fact, it’s common for companies to ask us a question like, “If we don’t use Levelset, who would you recommend?” While we can provide all of the services that other businesses on this list offer (and more), we ultimately want to help you to find the solution you’re looking for.

Why hire a lien filing service?

Though not all services are available with every lien filing company, a lien filing service may be able to:

  • Tell you whether or not you have lien rights
  • Research, add, and/or verify project information
  • Ensure you file other important documents, like preliminary 20-day notice
  • Make sure you meet state deadlines, and advise you of your rights if you miss them

If you’re ready to seek help with filing a lien (or multiple liens), this post details some of the best mechanics lien services in Arizona.

Top lien filing services in Arizona, with reviews

If you decide to have a lien service file the lien on your behalf, here are some of the best that offer services in Arizona.

width=AZ Lien

  • Other business names: Arizona Lien Svc Inc
  • Website: www.azlien.com
  • Location: Tucson, AZ
  • Year started: 1984
  • Reviews: 
    • Google: 1.9/5 stars from 6 reviews
    • BBB: A+ rating, 2 complaints, accredited since 2002
  • Services (contact for costs):
    • Preliminary notices
    • Mechanics liens
    • Bond claims
    • Lien discharge
    • Stop notices

AZ Lien has been filing liens and other documents since 1984. They service 28 states, including Arizona. 

The BBB complaints came from contractors that report being “incorrectly named” in a lien filing. Similarly, the reviews on Google largely come from the recipients of a filing, or people who report conflicts with the CEO.  

With a company that has been around this long, you would expect some complaints. According to their website, they have employees that have been with the company for more than 15 years and clients that have been around for over 20 years. That suggests a level of loyalty and satisfaction.

titan lien service homepage view and reviews

Titan Lien

  • Other business names: Titan Lien Services, LLC
  • Website: www.titanlien.com
  • Location: Scottsdale, AZ
  • Year started: 2000
  • Reviews: 
    • Google – 3/5 stars, 6 reviews
    • BBB: C+ rating, 1 complaint, not accredited  
  • Services and Costs:
    • Preliminary 20-day notices – $25
    • Mechanic’s liens – $350
    • Bond claims – $350
    • Lien discharge – $50
    • Lien waivers – Free

Titan Lien was purchased by Billd, a trade credit service, and provides lien document processing. They offer preliminary notices in Arizona, lien filing, and bond claims, as well as annual lien law seminars, volume discounts, and monthly billing.

Titan offers an online portal that allows you to track, view, and manage your lien documents in the cloud. Its widespread accessibility is great for those who are constantly on the go, and you don’t have to worry about where you saved that lien document when someone requests it.

width=RCS Preliminary Lien Service

  • Other business names: Rapid Collection Systems Inc
  • Website: www.rcsliens.com
  • Location: Phoenix, AZ
  • Year Founded: 1991
  • Reviews: None found
  • Services and Costs:
    • Preliminary 20-day notices – $29
    • Amended preliminary notice – $9
    • Mechanic’s liens – $225
    • Bond claims – $200
    • Lien discharge – $25
    • Stop notices – $175

RCS specializes in construction collections, preliminary notices, and liens and bond claims. They call themselves a “one-stop shop” for all your construction payment issues. They have some Arizona lien resources on their website, including a guide to the lien laws in Arizona and forms to use for lien releases in Arizona.

The process for starting a lien or bond claim: Download the form, complete it, and email it to RCS. Your lien will be prepared within 5 business days.

All information provided regarding a project is verified by RCS, and any corrections are communicated to the client. Since a lien filed with incorrect information is worthless, verification service is valuable.

width=CNS AZ

  • Other business names: Construction Notice Services, Inc.
  • Website: www.cnservicesaz.com
  • Location: Phoenix, AZ
  • Year Founded: 1984
  • Reviews:
    • BBB – A+ rating, no reviews, not accredited
  • Services (contact for pricing):
    • Preliminary 20-day notices 
    • Mechanics liens 
    • Bond claims 
    • Lien releases 
    • Stop notices

Construction Notice Services was established in California in 1984. They now have offices in several western states, including Arizona. They are bonded and insured.

You can order several types of documents by filling out forms that are available on their website, while for other forms will require that you contact the firm via email to make your request. 

width=LienItNow

  • Other business names: NJLien.com, LLC
  • Website: www.lienitnow.com
  • Location: Hackensack, NJ
  • Year started: 2007
  • Reviews: 
    • BBB: A+ rating, 4 reviews, 5/5 star rating, accredited since 2011 
    • 5/5 stars on Facebook, 3 reviews
  • Services and Costs:
    • Preliminary notices – $50
    • Mechanic’s liens – $299
    • Bond claims – $279
    • Lien discharge (removal) – $125
    • Lien waivers – $50

Founded by three construction attorneys in New Jersey, LienItNow says its mission is to “assist the construction industry in finding affordable ways to obtain payment for work performed.” They offer nationwide preliminary notice and mechanics lien filing services.

Note: The pricing page on their website is riddled with asterisks that reflect “do it yourself pricing” or “full service” pricing, which can be confusing. There is also a lack of transparency on “filing fees” that vary state by state, as opposed to a flat fee for filing a lien. Some counties in select states can charge upwards of $300 in filing fees (the cost to file only; it doesn’t include preparation or other services), while other counties only charge $25.  

width=Levelset

Levelset files mechanics liens in Arizona, as well as any other payment documents needed. Levelset makes payment paperwork easy, with a simple online platform ensuring they get payment under control by facilitating smooth payments and successful projects. While Levelset does file mechanics liens, the company is focused on bigger goal: Building better communication and transparency into construction payments, so that everyone can get the money they earned, without legal action whenever possible. 

Core to Levelset’s philosophy is the SET methodology:

  • See everyone on the job
  • Easy paperwork
  • Talk it out if there is a payment problem 

Levelset gives customers the tools to identify everyone who needs to be paid on a job and try to work out disagreements before a lien needs to be filed. If that doesn’t work, however, they also provide lien filing services in all 50 states.

The website is an information hub for all things related to construction payments and the lien process. If you have a question regarding a lien, required notice, you are bound to find the answer on Levelset’s website. 

Read more: Arizona Lien, Notice, Waiver Forms and Construction Payment Resources

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Ask a payment-related question on the Expert Center to get a response from a real person on Levelset’s network of legal experts around the country. It’s free to use! 

FAQs about lien filing services in Arizona

Should I file a lien myself or hire a lien service?

Though preparing and filing a mechanics lien isn’t necessarily hard, there are a lot of details that need to be brought together to make sure your lien is valid. You’ll want to pay close attention on such an important document.

First, do some research on Arizona’s lien filing process. Take a close look at the filing deadlines and the details needed on the form. Details and deadlines vary by state, so make sure you are up to date on Arizona’s requirements. 

The data you provide on the lien document (owner info, customer info, job address) must be 100% accurate or your lien will not be valid. Good research is necessary when filing a lien.

After the lien has been recorded, notice must be served to the owner and any other required parties by certified or registered mail. You must track and keep the documentation that proves the notice was mailed, in case you must foreclose on the lien later. 

Most lien services will do the research to make sure the information on the lien form is correct, create the lien document on the proper form, send it for recording, and then send notice to the owner for you. 

If you decide to file a lien yourself, it is advisable to get some help, such as Rocket Lawyer, Simplifile, and even Levelset, to make sure everything is done correctly. 

If you’re want to file a mechanics lien on your own, you can download the Arizona mechanics lien form for free here. It’s already formatted according to state guidelines and ready for you to fill out.

What should I look for in a lien filing service?

Ultimately, you want a lien filing service that knows the lay of the land, and has a track record of success. Here are some details you’ll want to check when considering a lien filing service:

  • Ask if they provide property record checks as part of their services, so you know the information has been verified
  • If their solution is online, ask to see a demo
  • Visit a 3rd party review site (not on the company’s own website) to see what real customers have to say about them
  • Ask for references 
  • Check their website for lien information specific to Arizona

How much does it cost to file a mechanics lien in Arizona?

There’s not a cut-and-dry answer. When filing a lien, there are hidden costs that you will have to pay no matter what service you use, including recording fees, mailing costs, and the cost for the time it takes to gather the data to complete the lien form.

If you choose to file the lien yourself, you will need to pay the costs above plus the cost of your time to prepare the lien document, file it with the recorder, and then mail the lien documents to the owner. You will also have to pay to release the lien (if you get paid) or for a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien (if you do not).

Attorneys charge for liens in different ways. You may pay a flat fee for the preparation of the lien document, they may charge you hourly, or it may be part of a retainer agreement. You can expect to pay over $1000 for the preparation, and you will have to pay the hidden costs above as well. Then there will be additional costs to discharge the lien or foreclose on it.

Lien services will charge from $200 to $500 for the preparation of a lien document. Some include the mailing of documents. Make sure you know which costs are included in their fee so there are no surprises. Discharge of a lien costs about $100, but you will need to use an attorney if you must foreclose.

Do I have the RIGHT to file a lien?

In Arizona, filing a lien is a legal right that you gain as a result of working on or providing materials for real property improvements. Since the work and materials can’t be “returned,” the law allows you to file a lien and attach it to the property if you aren’t paid. 

General contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and rental equipment providers all have the right to file a lien if they aren’t paid. As long as you have sent all the preliminary documents required and the deadline hasn’t passed, then you have the right to file a lien to get paid.

Should I file a lien, or send a different document?

If you aren’t sure what your next step should be in trying to collect a late payment, head over to the Payment Rights Advisor. It will ask you some simple questions about your project, what you contributed, and when you worked on it, and determine the best document for you to send now to speed up payment and protect your right to file a lien in the future.

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