Our company performed total renovation on a multi- dwelling property. The project was completed in May and we have not been paid the final payment balance. We want to know the process involved in liening the property.
That's a great question, and one we get very frequently in the expert center. If contractors or suppliers aren't paid on a construction project in Maryland, they can file a mechanics lien to secure payment. Mechanics liens give the claimant an interest in the improved property, which empowers construction participants to recover the money they've rightfully earned. Levelset has provided a step-by-step guide to filing a Maryland Mechanics Lien .
In Maryland, an individual lien claimant is likely able to represent him/herself, but Maryland has prohibitions related to a non-lawyer representing another party in court. Therefore, it is unlikely that an LLC or corporation can "represent itself" through an employee or officer rather than through a hired Maryland attorney.
From your question, unfortunately, it sounds like you may be too late, or just in the nick of time. Maryland mechanic's liens have 2 crucial deadlines to keep in mind, which are 120 days and 180 days from the last day of furnishing labor or materials. The absolute deadline to file a mechanic's lien petition in court is 180 days, but, if your contract was not with the owner, you would need to furnish a very specific notice to the owner within 120 days.
Please feel free to contact me directly for any additional information or assistance.
Good luck!