Hi: I had a contractor work in my basement and left the basement messy and part of the job unfinished. I am holding his $1500 out of $45000 towards cleaning and getting the work finished. He is threatening to get a lien on my house . I live in NJ. Can he do that without going to court?
No. If the contractor tries to lien your house, you would receive notice of the same and be given an opportunity to contest the lien claim. If it has been more than 60 days since the work was performed, and you have not received a NUB (or "Notice of Unpaid Balance), you should be clear as far as potential NJ residential liens go.