Menu
Home>Levelset Community>Legal Help>As a Prime contractor in Texas, Do I have lien rights without a contract on a residential project?

As a Prime contractor in Texas, Do I have lien rights without a contract on a residential project?

TexasMechanics Lien

I was hired my Joe Smith to perform work and didnt have a contract, Do I have rights to get paid via lien rights in Texas?

1 reply

Mar 3, 2022

If the property is the owner's homestead (meaning that the owner owns the property and lives there) then your contract with the owner would have to satisfy the requirements of Texas Property Code sections 53.254, et seq., which requires specified homestead lien warnings, signing by husband and wife, and recordation in the county property records. 

You really should retain a construction attorney to review and evaluate your legal position based on the contract and pertinent documents. The right to be entitled to file a mechanic's lien is set out in Texas Property Code Chapter 53, and you really need to make sure that if you file a lien, you have properly and appropriately done so.

Filing an invalid lien could subject you to liability under the Texas Fraudulent Lien Act, and you could be liable for statutory damages of $10,000, or actual damages, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees. Facing such a claim would add insult to injury.

You should consider preparing a letter to mail by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner to set out the facts and to demand the relief that you want. Attach a copy of your unpaid invoice(s) and photographs of your completed work. Make sure that your letter is professional and business like as it may be evidence later.

If need be, consider filing suit in small claims court (assuming that your claim is less than $20,000), using your letter as evidence. If bigger, retain a construction attorney.

Good luck.

0 people found this helpful
Helpful