Who may file a mechanics lien?

Who may file a mechanics lien?

• A. Architects and subcontractors
• B. Homeowners
• C. City officials
• D. Project managers

Answer: (A)

Mechanics liens are available to those who contributed to the improvement of real property under a contract. In California, that includes not only general contractors and subcontractors who provide labor or materials, but also design professionals such as architects who were contracted to contribute to the project. Because architects and subcontractors have a direct contractual role in creating the improvements, they may file a mechanics lien. Homeowners typically aren’t filing against their own property, city officials aren’t private lien claimants on typical construction projects, and a project manager usually doesn’t provide labor or materials that would create a lien, so they wouldn’t be the proper filers.

Mechanics liens are available to those who contributed to the improvement of real property under a contract. In California, that includes not only general contractors and subcontractors who provide labor or materials, but also design professionals such as architects who were contracted to contribute to the project. Because architects and subcontractors have a direct contractual role in creating the improvements, they may file a mechanics lien. Homeowners typically aren’t filing against their own property, city officials aren’t private lien claimants on typical construction projects, and a project manager usually doesn’t provide labor or materials that would create a lien, so they wouldn’t be the proper filers.