I was called out to provide emergency sewage cleanup services on a home in PA. The situation with the property was unique in that the buyer was living in the house prior to closing due to issues with a flip contractor hired by the seller. The owner at the time/ my client electronically signed work contract from across the country to authorize my mitigation services. The buyer/ resident disclosed that the seller agreed to sign an addendum to the property sale to assume financial responsibilities for damages in the home likely caused, in part, by their flip contractor. I completed work and submitted all documentation to client/ owner/ seller for payment. The property was sold almost immediately after I sent the docs to the owner. It has now been 90 days and the client has ignored my numerous attempts to collect on the debt. I now find myself in a tough position. Do I lien the property and force the buyer back into the situation to leverage the addendum of the property sale back on the seller/ client? Is there a better way to collect the debt that doesn’t involve the indirect client/ new property owner?
You should hold the property.