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What can I do to get paid for a project

Pennsylvania

I put a floor in and a deck on for a customer and he won't pay the bill. The problem i see is we had no contract. I have some texts back and forth but not many details of the project. Is there anything I can do.

2 replies

Sep 28, 2022

If you are within the applicable timing deadlines, PA Courts allow you to file a mechanic's lien if it's clear that there was an established verbal agreement. However, if your non-paying client is a savvy deadbeat, and you did not get a building permit, or took other liberties in another aspect of the project, your client could likely assert a counterclaim under the UTPPCL statute (https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Unfair_Trade_Practices_Consumer_Protection_Law.pdf).  

I would always recommmend that you file the lien for completed work if you have the timely opportunity to do so. Contractors should make use of the laws which were enacted for their benefit.

Thanks, Colin 

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Sep 29, 2022
if the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired, you will have the right to file a mechanics' lien claim or a regular lawsuit. As it appears to be residential construction, I would recommend a mechanics' lien as it will avoid a counterclaim under Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Note - Counterclaims aren't allowed in mechanics' lien actions).
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