MCL § 570.1108
Michigan's Notice of Commencement under MCL § 570.1108 must be recorded by the owner before any improvement begins, and a copy must be posted on the jobsite. It anchors Michigan's Construction Lien Act notice procedures — the recorded NOC is what subcontractors and suppliers use to direct their Notices of Furnishing.
The owner or lessee of the property is responsible for preparing, recording, and posting the Notice of Commencement.
Before any actual physical improvement to the property begins.
With the Register of Deeds in the county where the real property is located.
Required for any private construction project covered by Michigan's Construction Lien Act.
A copy must be posted in a conspicuous place at the jobsite, and the owner must furnish copies on request to subcontractors and suppliers.
Reference: MCL § 570.1108
A Notice of Intent to Lien is the final written demand for payment served before recording a Claim of Lien under MCL § 570.1108. It puts the owner, contractor, and lender on notice that they have a short window — usually 10 days — to pay the unpaid balance or a lien will be recorded. Most owners pay once they receive a properly served NOI, and serving one documents a good-faith effort to resolve the debt before filing.
The owner or lessee of the property is responsible for preparing, recording, and posting the Notice of Commencement.
With the Register of Deeds in the county where the property being improved is located.
The owner loses important procedural protections under the Construction Lien Act. Subcontractors and suppliers may still record liens, and the owner may have less leverage in disputes.
This page is general information about Michigan's Notice of Commencement statute and is not legal advice. Statutes, recording fees, and local procedures change. Verify current requirements with the appropriate Michigan recording office or a licensed Michigan construction attorney before filing.