Mechanic's Lien, Real Estate

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim filed by a contractor or material supplier to secure payment for labor or materials provided for a property’s improvement. Mechanic’s liens are a powerful tool for unpaid contractors to secure payment from property owners. An unpaid mechanic’s lien can result in the lienholder foreclosing on the property to recover their debt.

To enforce a mechanic’s lien, you must file a lawsuit against the property owner and serve them with a notice of lis pendens. If you win the lawsuit, a judge can order the property’s sale at a sheriff’s auction to satisfy the debt. The lien remains valid while legal proceedings are underway.

You have several options if a mechanic’s lien has been placed on your property. You can wait for the lien to expire after six months, file a surety bond to remove it, or initiate a declaratory relief action in district court. Consulting a skilled attorney is advisable to ensure you navigate the legal process effectively.