Arizona Preliminary Notice Deadlines: The 20 days Rule

    Arizona law is strict. You have exactly 20 days from first furnishing labor or materials to protect your right to get paid.

    THE RULE: You must file a Preliminary 20-Day Notice within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials.

    THE RISK: If you file late, you permanently forfeit your lien rights for any work done prior to the 20 days preceding the notice.

    The 20 days Window

    You can file late in AZ, but it only protects work done in the 20 days before mailing. You lose money for early work.

    Multiple Recipients

    Arizona requires you to notify the owner, the direct contractor, AND the construction lender (if applicable).

    Strict Mailing Rules

    It must be sent via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. Regular mail invalidates your rights.

    Are you already late? Calculate your exact Arizona deadline.

    Already finished the work?

    Already finished the work and still not paid?

    A preliminary notice protects jobs you're starting. If the work is done and the money hasn't come, the next step is a formal demand letter — statute-cited, mailed certified, with tracking and proof of delivery.

    $79 · Preview free

    Send a Demand Letter

    Choose your next move

    Which one is you right now?

    Already owed money?

    You did the work. They haven't paid.

    A formal demand letter citing your state's lien law, mailed USPS Certified with tracking and a Certificate of Mailing.

    $79 · Preview free before anything mails

    Send My Demand Letter

    Starting a new job?

    Protect it before there's a problem.

    File your preliminary notice in the first days of the job and keep your lien rights alive for the whole thing.

    $24.99 · $39.99 in Texas · Preview free

    Protect a New Job

    Not sure where you stand? Check your deadline free — no signup →