Who is eligible to file a Mechanics Lien?

The eligibility to file a Mechanics Lien extends beyond just the general contractor to include subcontractors and design professionals. This type of lien is designed to protect any party who has contributed labor or materials to a construction project but has not been paid for their work.

Subcontractors, who may not have a direct contract with the property owner but do provide essential services or materials, rely on the Mechanics Lien to ensure they can recover unpaid debts. Similarly, design professionals, such as architects and engineers, also benefit from this protection as their work is integral to the construction process.

In contrast, homeowners generally do not file a Mechanics Lien since they are often on the receiving end of these services, and real estate agents typically do not deal with such issues directly related to construction payment disputes. Mechanics Liens serve to ensure that all parties involved in the construction process have a legal recourse if they are not compensated, thus reinforcing the collaborative nature of construction projects.