Your construction liens act as leverage for your financial compensation, so you want to be sure you’re filing them correctly. That means you need to find and learn the lien laws that are designated to the state you work in. We’re here to take away the complexity and confusion and give it to you straight. If you work in Maine and need to know the lien laws, this is the site for you. Here, we break down exactly what the state of Maine requires for you to properly file a valid lien and bond claim.
How to File a Valid Lien in Maine:
- Material Suppliers must prove their material was actually incorporated into the property.
- A lien on residential property is only valid to the extent the Place 1* Contractor is owed money.
- Place 1* Contractors must file their liens within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the last time work was performed and/or materials supplied.
- Place 2* and below Contractors must file their lien within ninety (90) days of last work and/or materials supplied and must send a copy of the lien that was filed to the Owner.
- You must file suit within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the last work was performed to enforce your lien.
How to Have a Valid Bond Claim in Maine:
- A bond is required on public projects of more than $125,000.
- Place 2* Contractors must file a claim against the bond within ninety (90) days of the last time work was performed and/or material supplied.
- Place 3* and below Contractors need to send notice to the General Contractor detailing the amount you are owed within ninety (90) days of last work performed and/or material supplied. You will also need to send notice to the bond company.
If you work in Maine, ensure you get paid what you are owed by practicing the proper lien filing laws for your state. Your construction liens grant you leverage, so be sure to use them! If you have yet to get your hands on Maine’s lien and bond claim forms, consider purchasing the required materials from us! If you’d like someone else to take care of filing your lien and bond claim, and do it the right way, contact a professional Maine lien lawyer who is experienced in construction law. Our sister company, The Cromeens Law Firm, has a lien and collections team ready to take care of it for you. Do the work to guarantee you never work for free.
*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.