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PennsylvaniaLien on Funds

Customer signs contract with contractor Contractor completes work Customer doesn’t like the way the caulk sits on some trim and holds the final 2/3 that is owed Contracted endeavors to fix and customer continues to not like it and refuse payment Can the subcontractors that worked for the contractor each individually put a lien on the customers home, and will it increase credibility or make it easier in the end

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Oct 29, 2019
Subcontractors are entitled to file mechanics liens in Pennsylvania - and, if multiple subcontractors go unpaid, then those multiple subcontractors would each be entitled to file a mechanics lien claim. Regarding credibility - mechanics liens generally bring a lot of attention to the debt at hand. And, once a mechanics lien is filed, that debt can't be ignored by the customer or the owner. As a result, mechanics liens are generally regarded as the most powerful tool available for those seeking to recover construction payments - and most mechanics liens get the claimant paid without the need for further action. You can learn more about how, exactly, mechanics liens force payment here: How Do Mechanics Liens Work? 17 Ways a Lien Gets You Paid.

Before a mechanics lien becomes necessary, other recovery options may force payment

Before resorting to a mechanics lien filing, keep in mind that other recovery options may be effective to get paid. For one, sending a demand letter can let a customer know that you're serious about payment and unafraid to explore payment recovery options, as necessary. More on demand letters here: Demand Letters for Contractors – How To Write One That Gets You Paid. Sending a Notice of Intent to Lien can help, too. A Notice of Intent to Lien acts as a warning shot, letting the owner and the customer know that there's a serious payment issue, and that a lien will be filed if it isn't resolved soon. Plus, a Notice of Intent to Lien is a required part of the Pennsylvania mechanics lien process. So, those who were hired by someone other than the property owner - like a subcontractor or supplier - must send a Notice of Intent to Lien prior to filing a lien, anyway. More on Notices of Intent to Lien here: What Is a Notice of Intent to Lien and Should You Send One?

Additional resources on Pennsylvania's mechanics lien laws

Here are some additional resources that I think may be helpful: - Pennsylvania Mechanics Lien Guide and FAQs - How to File a Pennsylvania Mechanics Lien – Step by Step Guide to Get You Paid
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