In New York, liens filed on private property or on funds relating to a public project are known as Mechanic’s Liens. When a New York mechanics lien is filed with regard to work performed on privately owned property, it attaches to and encumbers the fee simple ownership of property. When a New York mechanics lien is filed with regard to work performed on a publicly or government owned property, it attaches to the fund of money which the public agency has allocated for a project. The reason for this is that you cannot force the sale of publicly owned land (public agencies mean any county, city, town, township, public commission, public board or other municipality authorized by law to make contracts for the making of any public improvement in any city, town, township or other municipality).
Contractors, as well as subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and suppliers who have a contract with a general contractor or a subcontractor can file a New York mechanics lien.
In New York, mechanics’ liens on private property must be filed within eight months of the last date the lienor provided materials or services to the Project.
New York mechanics’ liens with regard to public projects can be filed at any time before the completion and acceptance of a public improvement, but no later than 30 days following completion and acceptance by the state or the public corporation.
New York mechanics’ liens with regard to residential single family dwellings must be filed within four months after completion of the work.
For more information about Mechanic Liens, visit www.lienitnow.com