Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-143
Tennessee's Notice of Commencement under § 66-11-143 is the trigger for the state's strict 90-day Notice of Nonpayment requirement. Once recorded, remote contractors who don't serve a timely Notice of Nonpayment can lose their lien rights — a major protection for owners and primes.
The owner or the prime contractor (in practice, often the prime contractor) records the Notice of Commencement.
Within 30 days of commencement of the work, but recording before work begins is the safer practice.
With the Register of Deeds in the county where the real property is located.
Required for projects with a total contract amount of $25,000 or more on commercial property; optional but commonly used on smaller projects.
A copy must be conspicuously posted at the jobsite for the duration of the project.
Reference: Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-143
A Notice of Intent to Lien is the final written demand for payment served before recording a Claim of Lien under Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-143. 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.
It's required for projects with a total contract amount of $25,000 or more on commercial property under § 66-11-143. On smaller projects it's optional but strongly recommended.
With the Register of Deeds in the Tennessee county where the property is located.
It triggers the 90-day Notice of Nonpayment rule for remote contractors. Subs and suppliers more than one tier from the owner must serve timely notices of nonpayment or lose lien rights.
This page is general information about Tennessee's Notice of Commencement statute and is not legal advice. Statutes, recording fees, and local procedures change. Verify current requirements with the appropriate Tennessee recording office or a licensed Tennessee construction attorney before filing.