Iowa Preliminary Notice Guide: MNLR Posting / Mechanics Notice (Iowa Code Ch. 572)
Everything specialty trade subcontractors need to know about serving a compliant preliminary notice in Iowa (IA), required recipients, and preserving full mechanics lien rights.
1. When Must a Subcontractor Send Notice in Iowa?
In Iowa, an early preliminary notice at the start of work is not universally required across all commercial tiers, though delivering formal written notice prior to filing is essential.
Key Statutory Rule: Filings must be posted directly to Iowa’s Mechanics’ Notice and Lien Registry (MNLR).
2. Who Must Receive the Notice & Proof of Service
Iowa requires electronic posting to the Iowa Mechanics' Notice and Lien Registry (MNLR) to preserve subcontractor lien priority.
- Property Owner: Listed on the building permit, Notice of Commencement, or county tax assessor parcel record.
- Prime / General Contractor: The entity holding the direct contract with the owner.
- Construction Lender (if any): Protects priority if a bank or lender is financing the commercial build.
3. Essential Information to Include in Your Notice
To avoid technical invalidation in Iowa, verify that your notice clearly states:
- Your company's legal business name, address, and contact information.
- Name and address of the General Contractor or party who hired you.
- Street address and legal/parcel description of the job site.
- Clear description of the trade labor, services, or materials furnished.
- Estimated or contracted dollar value of your subcontract scope.
Iowa Notice of Intent to Lien Generator
If your preliminary notice window is satisfied and an invoice is overdue, generate a formal Certified Mail Notice of Intent to Lien before your 90-day cutoff expires.
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