Liens filed on private property including the land and buildings of charitable organizations are known as mechanics’ liens . In Connecticut, when a construction lien is filed with regard to work performed on privately owned property, it attaches to and encumbers the fee simple ownership of property.
Contractors who have a contract with an owner as well as subcontractors and suppliers who have a contract with a contractor can file a lien. Connecticut also allows design professionals to file liens.
In Connecticut, the lien claim must arise out of an agreement with, or the consent of, the owner, or of some person having authority to act on behalf of the owner.
Connecticut requires that a Notice of Intent to Claim Mechanic’s Lien be served for those who do not have a direct agreement with the owner for the work or materials/services provided. A Notice of intent to lien must be served after work has commenced but no later than 90 days after work has ceased. A notice of intent to lien does not need to be given prior to recording a mechanics lien, and service of the construction lien certificate itself meets the statutory notice of lien requirements.
Connecticut mechanics’ liens on private property must be filed with the town clerk of the town in which the project is located within 90 days of the last date the lienor provided materials or services to the Project.
Service of the lien must be served upon the owner by a process server if the owner residse in the same town as the liened property. Otherwise, service can be made by certified mail within 30 days after filing the mechanic’s lien. Be sure to serve each property owner separately.
Keep in mind that your lien is not valid forever. You have one year after filing the mechanic’s lien to enforce your lien by filing a lawsuit to foreclose.