Pennsylvania Lien Laws
Lien laws vary significantly across states, reflecting the diverse legal landscapes and economic conditions throughout the U.S. These laws govern the rights of creditors to claim an interest in property to secure payment for debts. For instance, some states have specific statutes that provide detailed processes for mechanics’ liens, allowing contractors and suppliers to enforce claims for unpaid work or materials on construction projects. In contrast, other states might have more streamlined or less detailed regulations.
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Supplier – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
45 days: If a Notice of Commencement was filed in the State Construction Registry, a Notice of Furnishing must be filed through the registry within 45 days of first furnishing labor and materials.* Rental Equipment and any supplier whose materials are not a permit part of the structure do not have lien rights per PA lien law statutes *
Supplier – Mechanic Lien
On all projects, a Notice of intent to lien required 30 days before filing a lien. 6 months: Lien must be filed within 6 months from last labor or materials furnished.* Rental Equipment and any supplier whose materials are not a permit part of the structure do not have lien rights per PA lien law statutes *
Subcontractor – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
45 days: If a Notice of Commencement was filed in the State Construction Registry, a Notice of Furnishing must be filed through the registry within 45 days of first furnishing labor and materials.
Subcontractor – Mechanic Lien
On all projects, a Notice of intent to lien required 30 days before filing a lien. 6 months: Lien must be filed within 6 months from last labor or materials furnished.
General Contractor – Preliminary notice requirements to file mechanic lien
No preliminary notice is required.
General Contractor – Mechanic Lien
On all projects, 6 months: Lien must be filed within 6 months from last labor or materials furnished.
Timeframe to foreclose lien
Enforced within 2 years from recording date of lien.
Construction participants not covered by lien law
No lien is available to a subcontractor on a single-building residential project of 1 or 2 units if the owner or tenant has paid the entire contract price to the contractor Fourth tier contractors and suppliers are not protected. Architects and engineers who contracted with the owner are entitled to a lien if they superintend or supervise the work on the improvement, but not if they only prepare
drawings, specifications and contract documents. Rental Equipment and any supplier whose materials are not a permit part of the structure do not have lien rights per PA lien law statutes.
Cost and damages not allowed in lien claim
Claims under $500 are not lienable Lost profit on work not performed or materials not supplied is not lienable work or supplies unconnected to the construction, erection, alteration or repair of a building