Can an interior designer file for a lien on a property for unpaid fees in New York?
1 reply
Nov 7, 2019
New York interior designers aren't specifically entitled to mechanics lien rights based on the New York mechanics lien statute. However, it's possible that an interior designer might be entitled to lien rights if their work permanently alters the project property.
For example, if the designer undertook improvements that provided some permanent alteration (such as knocking out a wall or replacing flooring), then they might be entitled to lien rights. However, design work that is not permanent (like selecting or arranging furniture, choosing color schemes, hanging aesthetic pieces on walls, etc.) would likely not give rise to lien rights.
For more background on who, exactly, is entitled to file a mechanics lien in New York: New York Mechanics Lien FAQs.