What are mechanic’s lien clauses and who does it protect?
The mechanics lien law is found in articles 1 to 3-A of the New York State Lien Law statute. It is intended to protect all contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and workers for non-payment by homeowners, contractors, or employers. The Home Improvement Contracts Law has a special provision that requires home improvement contractors to provide homeowner customers with notice that when work is being done on their home that such work and related non-payment to the contractor, his subcontractors, material suppliers and workers may result in a lien being filed against the home. This law also spells out how the homeowner is protected against liens being kept in force or allowing for lien discharge. The Home Improvement Contracts Law can be found in General Business Law, Article 36-A and related lien law trust fund sections are found in the state Lien Law, article 3-A. Most libraries will have these laws.
