Mechanic’s lien laws are the result of a policy intended to protect unpaid contributors to an improvement of real property against the unjust enrichment of a property owner. Mechanic’s liens are governed by specific statutory provisions in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia to provide additional protection of payment for workers and suppliers who perform services to improve real or personal property. These laws vary from state to state and are often complex and technical. Mechanic’s lien laws require strict compliance.

Anyone who supplies materials or services for the improvement of property needs to learn the basic rights afforded under applicable mechanic’s lien law in each state. These laws can help a creditor obtain payment for materials and services by providing a lien on the improved property. These statutes are intended to pay contractors and material suppliers who contribute to the value of the owner’s property by furnishing work or materials to a construction project where such materialmen would otherwise be left without recourse.

While the basic concept of the mechanic’s lien is universal, every state has created a different statutory scheme to govern who is entitled to a lien, when and how a lien is to be filed or recorded, what information must be provided and what notices must be given and how to protect the lien rights afforded.

Common to all lien statutes is the requirement that a supplier seeking the benefits of the lien law must comply with the strict provisions of the law.