Guide to filing a mechanics lien in Niagara County

If you’re facing non-payment in Niagara County, you may need to file a mechanics lien with the Niagara County Clerk. The good news is that New York’s lien laws do well to protect most parties in the construction industry, and chances are you’ll be able to file a lien claim with little to no complications. However, there are still some rules, regulations, and limitations in New York lien law and the Niagara County Clerk that you should be aware of.

For starters, here are three of the most noteworthy points in New York lien law:

  1. Some parties can’t file a lien claim. Most participants on a construction project have the right to lien. The participants who cannot include unlicensed contractors, suppliers to suppliers, and parties that aren’t authorized to work in the State of New York.
  2. There are few preliminary notice requirements in New York. Unlike most other states, New York doesn’t require lien claimants to submit a preliminary notice to the property owner. There are a few exceptions to this rule, though.
  3. If a third party is filing the lien on your behalf, you need to include a written authorization with your lien claim. This requirement doesn’t exist in most other states, but it’s a rule that requires a little bit more work for some claimants.

Continue your research on our New York Mechanics Lien Guide and FAQs page. You can also find the lien documents you need to file there.

The Niagara County Clerk also has their own requirements for recording a mechanics lien. Below, you can find a set of frequently asked questions that helps you familiarize yourself with the Niagara County Clerk. You can find the County Clerk’s recording requirements, recording fees, formatting requirements, contact information, and more.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a detailed outline of the entire New York mechanics lien process, take a look at our Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Mechanics Lien in New York.

Where is the Niagara County Clerk's Office that files mechanic liens?

You can file your mechanic liens in person at the Niagara County Clerk’s Office located at:

175 Hawley Street, 1st Floor
Lockport, NY 14095-0461

Telephone: (716) 439-7022
Fax: 716-439-7066
E-mail: niagaracounty.clerk@niagaracounty.com

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Recording Hours: Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

You can also submit your documents electronically.

eRecordings allows secure and efficient recording of real estate documents.

Currently, eRecorded documents are accepted from the following vendors:

Corporation Service Company
(866) 652-0111
http://www.erecording.com

eRecording Partners Network
(888) 325-3365
www.GOePN.com

Simplifile
(800) 460-5657
http://www.simplifile.com

What is Niagara County's Recording Backlog?

The Niagara County Clerk’s Office does not publicly disclose information on recording backlog.

Should I file my mechanics lien in Niagara County?

If your construction project is located in Niagara County, then yes, you should file your lien here.

What are the Niagara County Clerk's requirements for recording a mechanics lien?

You must include the following information in your lien claim at the Niagara County Clerk’s Office:

  1. Your name and information.
  2. The hiring party’s name and infofmation.
  3. The property owner’s name and information.
  4. If an attorney is representing you, you must inclue their name and information as well.
  5. A statement for the labor and materials you provided for the construction project.
  6. The lien amount.
  7. The first and last dates that work was performed on the project.
  8. The signature and notorization.

What are the margin & page size requirements to file a lien in Niagara County?

The Niagara County Clerk’s page size and margin requirements are as follows:

  • Pages may be no larger than 8.5 x 11.
  • Font size may be no larger than 9 point.
  • The first page must include a 3 inch margin at the top with a 1 inch margin on the sides and bottom.
  • All subsequent pages must have a 1 inch margin on all sides.
  • Mechanics liens must be printed in black ink.

How can I make payment to the Niagara County Clerk's Office?

The Niagara County Clerk’s Office accepts payment in the form of cash, personal checks (up to $500.00), and money orders. Make checks & money orders payable to: Niagara County Clerk. The County Clerk’s Office also accepts Master Card and Discover. There is a convenience fee of 2.5% of the amount charged plus a $0.50 transaction fee assessed when using a credit card.

What are the filing fees to record a mechanics lien in Niagara County?

The Niagara County Clerk’s recording fees are as follows:

Recording Fees

Deeds: $33.00 (include cover page)
Plus $3.00 per page
Plus $0.50 notations

Mortages: $33.00 (include cover page)
Plus $3.00 per page

Lien Fees

Federal Tax Lien: $40.00
Satisfaction Federal Tax Lien: $40.00

Mechanics Lien
Filing: $15.00
Discharge: No Fee
Afdvt of Service: $5.00
Satisfaction: No Fee

Copy Fees

To prepare each record — per page: $0.65, Minimum $1.30
To certify prepared record — per page: $1.25, Minimum $5.20
To prepare and certify — per page: $1.25, Minimum $5.00
Exemplification: $10.00 (IN ADDITION TO FEE FOR CERTIFICATION)

How do I get a recorded copy of my lien from the Niagara County Clerk's Office?

You can obtain a recorded copy of your lien in person, by e-mail, fax or online.

In Person

You can visit the Niagara County Clerk’s Office located at:

175 Hawley Street, 1st Floor
Lockport, NY 14095-0461

Telephone: (716) 439-7022
Fax: 716-439-7066
E-mail: niagaracounty.clerk@niagaracounty.com

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Recording Hours: Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Copy fees are as follows:

To prepare each record — per page: $0.65, Minimum $1.30
To certify prepared record — per page: $1.25, Minimum $5.20
To prepare and certify — per page: $1.25, Minimum $5.00
Exemplification: $10.00 (IN ADDITION TO FEE FOR CERTIFICATION)

E-mail

You can email document requests to: niagaracounty.clerk@niagaracounty.com

Provide details of the document including the name(s) of the parties involved, recording date, Book/Page, or instrument number for the recording or filing. This information assists us in honoring your request. Absent this information, the County Clerk’s Office will be unable to honor your request. Allow up to three (3) business days to process your request.

Fax

You can fax document requests to: 716-439-7189

Provide details of the document including the name(s) of the parties involved, recording date, Book/Page, or instrument number for the recording or filing. This information assists us in honoring your request. Absent this information, the County Clerk’s Office will be unable to honor your request. Allow up to three (3) business days to process your request.

Online

You can also search Niagara County Clerk’s records online at:
https://www.searchiqs.com/nynia/Login.aspx

The fee for unlimited access to the Niagara Land/Court Records website includes an account activation fee of $50.00 and an additional $150 per quarter for In County users; $450 per quarter for In State users and $900 per quarter of Out of State users, payable in advance. You will be sent a quarterly invoice to the address you listed above. Your service will commence once payment is received.

Any future payments not received by due date, subscription will be de-activated and a re-activation fee of $40.00 will be due.