Rule 1656.The Complaint.

Adopted November 29, 1963 · Last amended June 27, 2017 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceA mechanics’-lien complaint must set out the parties’ names and addresses (and the contractor’s, if a subcontractor sues), the date the claim was filed, and a demand for judgment, and must attach a copy of the lien claim.

Full Text of Rule 1656

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(a) The plaintiff shall set forth in the complaint

(1) the name and address of each party to the action and, if the action is commenced by a subcontractor, the name and address of the contractor;

(2) the date of the filing of the claim; and

(3) a demand for judgment.

(b) The plaintiff shall attach a copy of the claim to the complaint as an exhibit.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule says what a mechanics’-lien complaint must contain. It states the name and address of each party — and, where a subcontractor brings the action, the name and address of the contractor — the date the lien claim was filed, and a demand for judgment.

A copy of the claim itself is attached as an exhibit. Requiring the claim to be attached and the filing date stated ties the complaint directly to the recorded lien and gives the court and the owner the essentials of the claim being enforced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must a mechanics' lien complaint contain?

The parties (and the contractor if a subcontractor sues), the date the claim was filed, and a demand for judgment.

Official Note

Official Note: A claim for a mechanics’ lien and the complaint to obtain judgment on the mechanics’ lien shall be filed under the same docket number. See Rule 1653.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1656 adopted November 29, 1963, effective January 1, 1964; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2266; amended June 27, 2017, effective October 1, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3805. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255284).

Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: mechanics lien complaintpleading the lien claimsubcontractor complaint