Do you know your lien laws? It’s okay if the answer is no. It can be tricky to find the specific lien laws you’re looking for when there are different rules for every single state. We’re here to take away the complexity and confusion and give it to you straight. If you work in Georgia and need to know the construction lien and bond claim laws, this is the place for you. Here, we break down exactly what the state of Georgia requires of you to properly file a valid lien or bond claim.
How to File a Bond Claim in Georgia
- Bonds are required on public projects over $100,000. Contractors have to be Place 3* or above to have a bond claim.
- Must send a “Notice to Contractor” within thirty (30) days of first supplying work and/or materials.
- You must send notice within ninety (90) days of the last work performed and/or materials supplied. Must file suit within one (1) year of the project being completed.
- To find bond information, there should be a notice of commencement filed with the clerk of the Superior Court.
How to File a Lien in Georgia
- Georgia lien law is described as a thicket by the judges. Georgia laws are strictly construed against lien claimants.
- If a notice of commencement is filed for a project, you must send a “Notice to Contractor” to the Place 1* Contractor and the Owner within thirty (30) days of the first time you supplied work and/or materials.
- Liens must be filed within ninety (90) days of last work and/or materials supplied.
- You must send a copy of a lien that is filed within two (2) days of the lien being filed.
- Liens are good for 365 days, but you must file suit to enforce.
- Within 30 days of filing suit to enforce, you must file a notice of Lis Pendens.
If you work in Georgia, it is integral that you fully understand the above information. Your lien and bond claim rights are in place to protect you—and making sure the construction lien you file is valid and enforceable is the best way to protect your pay. If you'd prefer to file your liens on your own, listen to this episode of The Quit Getting Screwed Construction Podcast. If you want someone else to take care of filing your lien, and do it the right way, contact an experienced Georgia lien lawyer who knows construction law. Our sister company, The Cromeens Law Firm, has a 90% success rate of collections before having to foreclose on a lien, saving you costly legal fees. Don’t work for free, and properly file your construction liens in Georgia.
*The “places” referenced in the rules above correlate to the Construction Food Chain Chart from Karalynn Cromeens’ book,
Quit Getting Stiffed. The chart can be found here to use when following these lien and bond rules.