As someone who performs construction jobs, you should know your options if a property owner will not pay an outstanding bill for any work or supplies you have provided. Ohio law allows you to file a mechanic’s lien to pursue payment. However, another option may be available before going through with a lien.
Sometimes a property owner just needs to know that you mean business when it comes to unpaid bills. According to Construction Executive, filing a notice of intent to lien may be all you need to convince your customer to pay you.
How a lien notice works
A notice of an intent to lien is like a demand letter. It explains to your customer that you have not received payment for your work and that you are preparing to place a mechanic’s lien on the property. The notice should contain information describing the project, such as the address where you performed the work, the name of the project and the name of your business.
Your notice should explain the nature of the claim. Describe the kind of work you did. You may have performed a renovation or repair on the property. Alternatively, you may have supplied the materials for another contractor to use in a project. Your notice must also explain the full amount in the original contract and how much money the property owner has yet to pay.
The outcome of a lien notice
Ideally, sending an intent to lien notice will motivate the property owner to contact you and arrange to pay the unpaid amount. This will make it unnecessary to file a mechanic’s lien. If you still do not receive payment, you should feel satisfied that you exercised other options before pursuing a lien.
