How Do I Protect My Property Against Claims of Subcontractors in Ohio?
Full Question:
Answer:
Pursuant to Ohio statutes, a contractor, subcontractor, or materialman who has provided labor or materials to a construction project may file a lien against the property for the value of the labor performed or materials supplied by filing a Affidavit of Mechanic's Lien. A lien may not be obtained against property when the party claiming the lien has been paid in full before the property owner has received a copy of the lien claimant's Affidavit of Mechanic's Lien. O.R.C. 1311.01(B).
An Affidavit for a Mechanic's Lien must be filed within sixty days from the last day of work performed by the party claiming the lien, if the project is a one or two family residential dwelling. Otherwise, the lien claimant has seventy-five (75) days to file for a lien. An exception is liens involving oil and gas leases, which may be filed within one hundred and twenty (120) days. O.R.C.1311.06(B).
Typically, the Affidavit would require the contractor to state details of his contract with the property owner.
If a lien is not filed within the designated time frame, any lien actually placed on the property would be unenforceable. In many cases, a property owner may file an affidavit on the land records which states under oath that payment has been made to the contractor in full.
One way for an owner to protect against liens in to file an affidavit of completion. This will start the clock running on the timeline for liens to be filed. An owner may file with the county clerk of the county in which the property is located an affidavit of completion. The affidavit must contain:
(1) the name and address of the owner;
(2) the name and address of the original contractor;
(3) a description, legally sufficient for identification, of the real property on which the improvements are located;
(4) a description of the improvements furnished under the original contract;
(5) a statement that the improvements under the original contract have been completed and the date of completion; and
(6) a conspicuous statement that a claimant may not have a lien on retained funds unless the claimant files the affidavit claiming a lien not later than the 30th day after the date of completion.
It is recommended to have the terms of the contract in writing to avoid future disputes. A lien waiver may also be requested as a condition of partial or full payment. A lien waiver protects against mechanics' liens being filed against the property.
A lien is a claim to property for the payment of a debt, typically one connected to the property. It is the right to retain the lawful possession of the property of another until the owner fulfills a legal duty to the person holding the property, such as the payment of lawful charges for work done on the property. The right of lien generally arises by operation of law, but in some cases it is created by express contract. There are two kinds of liens; particular and general. When a person claims a right to retain property, due to money or labor invested in that property, it is a particular lien.
Liens may arise by express contract; from implied contract, as from general or particular usage of trade; or by legal relation between the parties, such as created with common carriers and inn keepers. To create a valid lien, it is essential that the party claiming a lien should have the absolute property or ownership of the thing or, at least, a right to vest it; that the party claiming the lien should have an actual or constructive, possession, with the assent of the party against whom the claim is made; that the lien should arise upon an agreement, express or implied and not be for a limited or specific purpose that contradicts the express terms or the clear, intent of the contract. In certain circumstances, the lien holder may foreclose on the property if the debt is not paid in full. Liens can generally be removed by the payment of the amount owed. This payment can occur at any time up to and including the stage at which the closing documents for the sale of the property are signed.
Although the terms lien waiver and lien release seem to be interchangeable, a release demonstrates completion and payment, so as to prove any claim has been satisfied, while a waiver demonstrates a relinquishment of a known right. Waivers are typically obtained prior to commencement of any work, whereas releases are subsequently obtained. Waivers of lien must be in writing, give a sufficient description of the real estate, and be signed by the one with authority to file or claim a lien. No payment needs to be made in advance if the subcontractor agrees to release the land from the lien and rely only on the credit of the owner or general contractor for payment of the debt.
A lien waiver is not a general release of claims; it only waives lien rights. A person signing a lien waiver may still have a claim (or multiple claims) against the person with whom it contracted. Therefore, owners may want their contractor to execute a waiver and release of all claims through the date of each pay application in addition to executing a lien waiver.
You are giving up the right to later file a lien only for the amount of the payment. The lien waiver will not necessarily prevent claims for contested change orders, retention, or breach of contract damages (for example — delay damages, impeded productivity, and other consequential damages).
-Interim Lien Waiver. This is used for progress draws or a partial payment. It waives lien rights through a certain date (and not future unpaid bills) and only to the extent of the payment. Many general contractors and owners require these forms to be signed by the person receiving payment before a check is issued.
-An Unconditional Lien Waiver is used after final payment and means just that: fully and finally releases all future lien rights with no later recourse to file a mechanic's lien. It should be signed only if you are assured you have been paid and are satisfied with the amount received.
-A conditional lien waiver is one that you use when submitting a progress invoice on a project, whether it's the first progress payment or the last. It is conditioned upon receipt of payment, and therefore will typically use the words "upon receipt". An unconditional lien waiver is used when payment has been received and cleared the account. Such a lien waiver will typically state that payment has been received.
When a lien waiver takes effect, the right to file a mechanic lien is given up. However, the lien waiver doesn't prevent a contractor from other remedies, such as a claim for breach of contract, etc.
Therefore, a lien waiver is not required but is often the best way for a lender or property owner to protect themselves.
