Mechanic’s lien
In the United States, a mechanic’s lien is a legal guarantee that ensures payment for labour or materials that have been supplied to improve property. Originally developed in relation to motor vehicles, mechanics were allowed to place a lien on the vehicles title if they were not paid for repair works.
However, the use of liens has subsequently widened and they are now sometimes referred to as construction liens, property liens, materialman's liens, supplier's liens and so on, and they are filed when payment has not been received for work done or goods or services provided.
In relation to property, liens appear in public property records and ‘travel with the land’, meaning that when property is bought and sold the lien is still attached to the land. This can make it difficult for property owners to complete a sale, if money is still owed to a contractor, and banks and lenders may be unwilling to refinance or lend against properties with liens attached. This can give property owners the incentive to have the issue settled and the lien removed.
Subcontractors and suppliers can also use liens as leverage to obtain payment from contractors. This can help, for example, in the event of the contractor going into liquidation.
The rules applying to costs that can be included in a lien vary from state to state, but generally, only costs relating to labour, goods and services that have improved the property are accepted. It is not usually possible for legal fees, punitive or qualitative damages to be included in the lien as these are not classed as having improved the property.
The claimant must file a court action to enforce the lien within an specified period of time, otherwise it becomes invalid. A Release of Lien can be sought from the lien holder if they have not brought an action, since this still has the potential of hindering the passing on of the property to a new owner.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.