If you've provided labour or materials for a construction project and haven’t been paid, a Mechanic’s Lien (also known as a Construction Lien) gives you legal leverage. This document places a formal claim on the property you worked on, helping ensure that your contribution is recognised and compensated.

Commonly used by contractors, subcontractors, engineers, suppliers, and tradespeople, a Mechanic’s Lien protects your right to payment when working on private property.

What is a Mechanic’s Lien?

A Mechanic’s Lien is a legal claim against a specific property that has been improved by work or the delivery of materials. It states that the Lien Claimant (e.g. builder, contractor, supplier) is owed money from the Property Owner for services performed or goods provided.

Once filed, it acts as a legal notice to others (including potential buyers or lenders) that there is a claim over the property, which often cannot be sold or refinanced until the debt is settled and the lien released.

Who Can Use a Mechanic’s Lien?

You may use a Mechanic’s Lien if you are:

• A general contractor or subcontractor
• A materials supplier or equipment lessor
• An architect, designer, or engineer who contributed to property improvements
• A tradesperson (e.g. electrician, plumber, tiler)

Even if you don’t have a formal contract, if you contributed to the enhancement of the property and weren’t paid, you may be eligible to file a lien.

When Should You File a Mechanic’s Lien?

A Mechanic’s Lien should be filed:

• When you’ve completed the work or supplied materials
• Payment is overdue or refused
• Within the statutory deadline for your region (typically 30 to 120 days after work ends)

The lien must clearly describe the parties involved, the work done, the amount owed, and the property affected. You should also notify the property owner before filing in most jurisdictions.

Mechanic’s Lien – Free Template

This Mechanic’s Lien (“Lien”) is entered into by and between:

Lien Claimant
[Company Name], [Address]
Place of registration:

Property Owner
[Company Name], [Address]
Place of registration:

Property Address
[Address]

Description of Work and Materials Supplied
- […]
- […]

Total Amount Claimed
[Amount]

Payment Terms
The Property Owner shall pay the total amount claimed within [Number] days of the date of this Lien. If payment is not made, the Lien Claimant reserves the right to enforce this claim under applicable laws.

General Provisions
- Notices shall be sent in writing to the addresses above.  
- No amendment is valid unless agreed in writing.  
- If any provision is deemed unenforceable, the rest remains valid.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Lien shall be governed by the laws of [Country]. The courts of [City, Country], shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all disputes arising under this Lien.

Signatures
This Lien has been signed digitally.

Why File a Mechanic’s Lien?

Filing a lien can:

• Secure your payment rights without filing a lawsuit
• Alert others (like banks or buyers) to your claim
• Motivate the property owner to settle the debt quickly
• Preserve your legal standing, especially if time is running out under lien laws 

However, it should be used responsibly, false or exaggerated claims can lead to legal consequences.

What Happens If You Don’t Use a Mechanic’s Lien?

Without a Mechanic’s Lien:

• You may struggle to recover unpaid fees
• The property could be sold or refinanced without notice
• Your legal options may be limited by deadlines or lack of leverage
• The debtor may deprioritise your payment in favour of other creditors

A lien creates urgency and ensures your claim is visible and enforceable.

Create a Mechanic’s Lien in minutes with Bind

Bind lets you create professional documents, including Mechanic’s Liens, quickly and correctly. Enter the relevant details, and Bind generates a ready-to-sign lien form that you can file, send, or enforce — secure your right to be paid today.