we are considering a contract to supply materials and would like to understand what the time frame is for filing lien after delivery of materials and non payment in PA
1 reply
Feb 15, 2019
That's a great question. Liens should typically be the nuclear option, but it's always a good idea to understand the required timeframe for filing a lien well before a problem arises. Before getting too far along - these resource should be helpful, too - (1) How to File a Pennsylvania Mechanics Lien; (2) Pennsylvania Lien and Notice FAQs. Anyway, back to the question at hand... For Pennsylvania material suppliers, the deadline to file a mechanics lien will be 6 months from the last date that labor or materials were furnished to the project. For material suppliers, "last furnishing" tends to be pretty obvious - but for more detail on determining that date, this resource should be helpful: What’s the ‘Date Labor or Materials Last Delivered’ and How Can I Prove It? Keep in mind, though, that Pennsylvania claimants who aren't hired directly by the property owner will also need to provide a Notice of Intent to Lien - and that must be made at least 30 days prior to the actual filing of the mechanics lien.