If the project is installing railings in a commercial apartment building, can an unlisenced contractor who had direct contact with owner, and pay is $200, can a "Handyman" file mechanics lien?
1 reply
Dec 5, 2019
Washington appears to require that handymen be registered with the state, as set out by WAC 296-200A-016(26). So, to perform handyman work, and to file a mechanics lien for that work, a Washington handyman should likely carry the appropriate registration.
Note, though, that filing a mechanics lien for a $200 debt might not make all that much sense considering the costs associated with a mechanics lien filing. Rather, exploring some other recovery options might be worthwhile - at least at first.
For one, sometimes a simple invoice reminder is all that's needed in order to get paid. Or, escalating things some with a document like a demand letter might work to get paid. Finally, merely threatening to pursue a mechanics lien claim - with a document like a Notice of Intent to Lien - could work, considering the drastic nature of lien claims.
For more information on Washington mechanics liens, here's a resource that should be valuable: Washington Mechanics Lien Guide and FAQs.