What is a release of lien?

A release of lien is a legal document that serves as an assurance that payment has been made to contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers for work performed or materials supplied on a construction project. This document is essential in the construction industry as it helps to protect property owners and ensures that any liens filed against a property due to unpaid work or materials are officially removed.

When a contractor or supplier receives payment, they sign the release of lien, which confirms that they relinquish any claim to file a mechanics lien against the property for the specified work or materials. This process helps to facilitate smoother transactions and reduce the risk of disputes regarding payments for construction services.

Other options present contexts related to construction but do not accurately define a release of lien. For instance, a declaration of project completion pertains to project status and does not involve financial transactions. Similarly, filing a mechanics lien is a proactive measure used when payments are overdue, rather than a confirmation of payment as seen in a release of lien. Lastly, a permit allowing continued work is associated with compliance and regulatory aspects of construction rather than resolving payment issues.