What is a Notice of Intent to Lien (NOI)?

A Notice of Intent to Lien (NOI) is a formal document utilized within the construction industry that signals a party's intent to place a lien on a property due to nonpayment for services rendered or materials supplied. It serves as the final warning before the actual lien is recorded. This document is often used by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who have not received payment for their work or supplies. The NOI is designed to motivate the responsible party—such as the homeowner, general contractor, or commercial customer—to settle the outstanding debt. Bypassing this notice and directly filing a lien could lead to complicated legal situations. Hence, an NOI is a crucial step in the process of securing payment. It doesn’t guarantee payment, but it significantly increases the chance of getting paid, granting leverage to unpaid parties in the construction field.