2020 Best Invention

Mechanic’s Liens: What They Are and How They’re Used

5 minute read Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free. Think TurboTax for bankruptcy. Get free education, customer support, and community. Featured in Forbes 4x and funded by institutions like Harvard University so we'll never ask you for a credit card. Explore our free tool


In a Nutshell

A mechanic’s lien is a legal tool tradespeople use to make sure they get paid for the work they do and the supplies they contribute to projects. They’re common when you book construction workers. If you’re having work done on your home, it’s good to be aware of these liens. If subcontractors or other workers don’t get paid, it can put your property at risk.

Written by Attorney Eric Hansen
Updated November 26, 2021


Chances are that you’ve hired a contractor to work on your house or brought your car into an auto mechanic’s garage to be repaired. Contractors and mechanics are just like any other worker in that they want to be paid in full, on time. They don’t want to have to chase anyone down to pay the bill.

Mechanics, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, builders, and design professionals are able to use a mechanic’s lien to help them get paid promptly and in full. In this article, we’ll discuss what a mechanic’s lien is, how it’s used, and how you can avoid them.

What Is a Mechanic’s Lien?

A mechanic’s lien, also known as an artisan’s lien or a materialman’s lien, is a statutory lien used in the construction industry. It’s called a statutory lien because it happens automatically under state law in certain situations and relationships. Once work is done on your car or your house, for example, the lien immediately attaches to the property worked on or repaired. A mechanic’s lien may be used in building or construction projects and repair jobs. It’s a way to hold the property owner accountable for the payment of these services.

Mechanic’s liens help prevent non-payment.

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim that helps prevent nonpayment. It’s a tool to guarantee that builders, contractors, construction firms, and materials suppliers are paid for the work they do and the materials they use. A property owner usually has to acknowledge and agree when they sign the construction contract that a mechanic’s lien will be obtained by the contractor in order to book construction help on most types of projects. A contractor will typically require a mechanic’s lien, an upfront cash payment, or a large retainer before they’ll actually start on a project.

A mechanic’s lien is a way for subcontractors and suppliers to get paid for the improvements they have made to the property, whether real property like a house and land or personal property like a car, electronics, jewelry, etc. This ensures that workmen are paid before any other parties like a bank, credit union, or mortgage lender in case of a foreclosure and subsequent sheriff’s sale of the property. A mechanic’s lien would also ensure that an auto mechanic is paid before an auto lender if the borrower defaulted on the auto loan and there’s a repossession and public auction.

A mechanic’s lien can also be used when a general contractor hasn’t paid subcontractors, laborers, or suppliers. The homeowner is ultimately responsible for payment. If the homeowner pays the general contractor but the general contractor hasn’t paid the subcontractors, the homeowner may have to get involved to make sure the subcontractors get paid. Otherwise, the homeowner will have to deal with the mechanic’s lien. If the matter is cleared up, the homeowner will have a free and clear title to the property, unencumbered by a statutory lien like a mechanic’s lien. 

How long will the lien last?

As mentioned earlier, mechanic’s liens, like all statutory liens, occur automatically by law. The lien is effective until the project is completed and all workers have been paid in full. A lien is typically recorded at the county recorder’s office. It’s public record and will show up in a title search. If contractors and repairmen are not paid promptly and in full, they can enforce the mechanic’s lien to foreclose on your real estate or personal property. The contractor can force a foreclosure and sheriff’s sale (in the case of a home) or a repossession and public auction (in the case of a vehicle) to get paid.

Some property has multiple liens against it. In this case, a mechanic’s lien usually gets higher priority than other liens. That means if there’s a foreclosure or repossession and the property is sold to recoup costs, the contractor or laborer will be paid before other creditors that the property owner also owes. For example, say you have a house with a first and second mortgage that you have renovated by a general contractor who puts a mechanic’s lien on the property. Then the first mortgage lender forecloses on the home. The contractor who has the mechanic’s lien will likely get first priority in benign repaid, before the first or second mortgage holder. 

Upsolve User Experiences

1,737+ Members Online
bryant graham
Bryant Graham
★★★★ 7 hours ago
Upsolve was very helpful i highly recommend there service.
Read more Google reviews ⇾
Keith Vincent
Keith Vincent
★★★★★ 7 hours ago
Upsolve provides a invaluable service at no cost. The clerk of court told me all of my paperwork was in order. It was done by myself with the assistance of Upsolve staff. Great Service for the people of this country. Thank you Upsolve.
Read more Google reviews ⇾
Andrew Morales
Andrew Morales
★★★★★ 1 day ago
Exceptional Service and Support - A Lifeline During Bankruptcy I am delighted to share my heartfelt gratitude for Upsolve and the exceptional assistance they provided my wife and me during our bankruptcy filing. Their expertise, kindness, and user-friendly platform made an otherwise daunting process remarkably simple and accessible. From the moment we engaged with Upsolve, their team exhibited an unwavering commitment to helping us navigate the complexities of bankruptcy with ease. Their knowledge and professionalism were evident at every step, and they went above and beyond to ensure we felt supported and understood throughout the entire journey. Upsolve's user-friendly platform was a game-changer, simplifying the otherwise overwhelming paperwork involved in bankruptcy filings. Their intuitive interface guided us through each necessary form, reducing confusion and streamlining the process. Thanks to their comprehensive resources and guidance, we were able to complete the filing accurately and efficiently. What truly set Upsolve apart was their empathetic and caring approach. The Upsolve team was always available to address our questions and concerns promptly, providing clear and compassionate explanations that put our minds at ease. Their commitment to accessibility is commendable, particularly for individuals like us who couldn't afford the services of a lawyer. Upsolve made bankruptcy filing a viable option for those facing financial hardships, providing much-needed support to those who need it most. While we have just completed the filing process and await the final outcome, we are confident that Upsolve's expertise and meticulous assistance will yield positive results. However, regardless of the outcome, we are eternally grateful for their invaluable help. They have given us hope and a fresh start, empowering us to take control of our financial future. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I wholeheartedly recommend Upsolve. Their commitment to making the bankruptcy process more accessible, their exceptional support, and their user-friendly platform make them an unparalleled resource for anyone in need. Thank you, Upsolve, for being our guiding light during this challenging time.
Read more Google reviews ⇾

How Are Mechanic’s Liens Used?

A lien claimant is someone who can enforce a lien if they’re not paid. For a mechanic’s lien, it’s usually a subcontractor or supplier. The lien claimant must notify the property owner of any work or supplies they’ve contributed to the project, usually within 20-30 days. The exact timeline depends on state law. Mechanic’s lien laws vary from state to state and that can affect the process, the notice requirements, and the time limits for a mechanic’s lien.

When the lien claimant is not paid, they must generally file a “claim of mechanic’s lien” and an affidavit. This will be filed in the county where the property is located or where the work was done. Filing the claim allows them to enforce their lien rights. Then, the lienholder has 2-6 months (again, depending on state law) to come to a solution with the property owner regarding payment. If they can’t come to an agreement, the lien claimant can file a lawsuit to force payment.

In most states, if the lienholder doesn’t file a lawsuit within the legal time frame, the mechanic’s lien can’t be put into effect. Even so, the property owner should still get a court order to get a lien release. That will prevent headaches later when the owner wants to sell, transfer, or otherwise get rid of the property. To sell property successfully, it’ll need to have a clean title.

How Can You Avoid Having a Lien Claim Placed Against Your Property?

As the property owner, you’ll want to avoid a mechanic’s lien being placed against your property. One way to do this is by paying the general contractor, subcontractors, and suppliers with joint checks. This means that the checks can only be cashed if all parties endorse them.

Another way you can avoid a lien is by getting a lien waiver provision in the construction contract. This will shift payment responsibility to the general contractor instead of you as the property owner. In several states, the general contractor must give the property owner a lien waiver for all work and supplies contributed by subcontractors and supplies before accepting additional payment on the project. Some states allow lien waivers before payment is made.

You could also make direct payments to the subcontractors and suppliers, and subtract those amounts from the general contractor’s payment. This isn’t always a good idea because it can shift liability and make it look like you’re an employer. Being an employer makes you liable for taxes, personal injury, and workers’ compensation. It’s typically better to have the general contractor assume this risk.

You’ll want to keep a file of the paperwork, notices, and receipts you receive from the workers on the project, especially subcontractors. Stay in contact with the contractors during and after the project is completed. Check to see if subcontractors have been paid. Get lien waivers if you can. 

Let’s Summarize…

A mechanic’s lien is a legal tool to ensure that tradespeople are paid for the work they do and the supplies they contribute to a project. They’re usually necessary to book construction help. While a mechanic’s lien provides payment protection for workers, it can make things complicated for property owners. If subcontractors on your project aren’t getting paid, they can hold you accountable with the lien. It can put your property at risk. To avoid this, stay ahead of things by getting a lien waiver provision and/or keeping track of who’s contributed what and when each person is paid. 



Written By:

Attorney Eric Hansen

Eric D. Hansen is an experienced Minnesota attorney within a number of varying and nuanced practice areas. He has operated his own solo practice as well as worked at small suburban boutique firms and large diversified downtown law firms. Eric has a wealth of experience in busines... read more about Attorney Eric Hansen

It's easy to get help

Choose one of the options below to get assistance with your bankruptcy:

Free Web App

Take our screener to see if Upsolve is right for you.

Take Screener
11,388 families have filed with Upsolve! ☆
or

Private Attorney

Get a free bankruptcy evaluation from an independent law firm.

Find Attorney

Learning Center

Research and understand your options with our articles and guides.

Go to Learning Center →

Already an Upsolve user?

Read Support Articles →

News

    + Show Articles
    Y-Combinator

    Upsolve is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that started in 2016. Our mission is to help low-income families who cannot afford lawyers file bankruptcy for free, using an online web app. Our team includes lawyers, engineers, and judges. We have world-class funders that include the U.S. government, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and leading foundations. It's one of the greatest civil rights injustices of our time that low-income families can't access their basic rights when they can't afford to pay for help. Combining direct services and advocacy, we're fighting this injustice.

    To learn more, read why we started Upsolve in 2016, our reviews from past users, and our press coverage from places like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.