Our client is not allowing us to finish the job and is withholding a portion of the balance, can I file a lien?
I'm sorry to hear about the issue you have experienced, unfortunately, we receive similar questions like this very frequently. There are a few options you can pursue before filing a Washington mechanics lien including filing a notice of intent to lien. The threat of a lien filing is often enough to compel owners to make a payment to avoid a potential lien claim. More information on Notice of Intent to Lien is provided by Levelset.
In general mechanic lien rights are available to you if you perform construction work for the improvement of real property. A lien claim arises when the property is improved and the work has gone unpaid, regardless of whether the property was completed or not. A lien right exists only when payment is owed. A close look at how to file a Washington mechanics lien should be able to assist you further.
Good luck!