| In the US, it is regulated by the states. In California, those with a Department of Consumer Affairs license number of some sort (contractor/TV repair/auto repair, etc.) are the most successful in prosecuting a lien. However, there must be mention of the contractor's right to pursue resolution of a claim through a lien in the *original* contract signed by the customer. For example, for short term projects contractors will routinely file a "pre-lien notice" at a county clerk's office which comes due in 30 days from the substantial completion of the job. In California, if the contractor does not file a pre-lien notice within 90 days of the end of the job (without being paid) the right to collect through a lien is forfeited. YMMV. |
