A mechanic’s lien is a privilege authorized by state law that permits contractors, suppliers and certain qualifying construction professionals who have provided labour or materials to improve real property to publicly record the value of the unpaid improvements against the property owner’s title.
A claimant who has filed a mechanic’s lien claim must first file and prevail a lawsuit to enforce (i.e. foreclose or perfect) a lien claim before acquiring the property title becomes a genuine threat to the property owner. A properly drafted and filed mechanic’s lien claim will often trigger a more prompt payment from the owner or general contractor without the need for additional litigation to enforce the lien claim.