Generally: anyone who improves real property under a contract — general contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, material suppliers, equipment lessors, and in many states architects, engineers and surveyors. The further you are from the owner contractually, the more likely your state requires a preliminary notice early in the job to preserve the right.
Rules vary meaningfully by state (some cut off sub-sub-tier suppliers; some require contractor licensing as a precondition). Check your state's exact requirements and deadlines with the free calculator.
General education, not legal advice — lien law is state-specific and changes. For your state's exact windows, use the free deadline calculator; for anything contested, talk to a construction attorney.
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