Can I place a lien on the contractor's property?

Question

Can I place a lien on the contractor's property?

1 week ago

I hired a contractor who abandoned the project. I have a judgement of $10,000 against the contractor from the Magistrate Court. Can I place a lien on the contractor’s property?

Matt Viator · Answer 1 · 2019-11-07

When a judgment is hand, an owner may be able to obtain a judgment lien against a contractor they’ve won the judgment against. More on that here: Judgment Liens on Property in New Mexico.

However, an owner will not be able to file a mechanics lien against their contractor, regardless of any judgment. Mechanics liens secure payment for work that improves real property – so, while a contractor may be able to obtain a mechanics lien against the property owner, an owner won’t be entitled to a mechanics lien against their contractor.