Construction lien and bond laws are not particularly straightforward. It’s easy to get confused, especially when there is a separate set of rules for each individual state. We’re here to take away the complexity and confusion and give it to you straight. If you work in Alaska and need to know the lien laws, this is the site for you. Here, we break down exactly what the state of Alaska requires for you to properly file a valid lien or bond.
How to File a Lien in Alaska
- Contractor must be registered with the Department of Commerce (and bonded) to have lien rights.
- Material Suppliers have the burden of showing that their materials were used at the project. You can also lien mining sites.
- Since Alaska is so vast and most of it is rural, there is an issue with people doing work without the Owner’s authorization.
- The Owner’s authorization is required to have a valid lien.
- To make sure you will have lien rights, you can send the Owner a “notice of the right to lien” before you start work.
- This notice is not required, but it is a good idea.
- The notice should be recorded as well; that way you are entitled to notice when the project is completed.
- Liens must be filed within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the last time work was performed and/or materials supplied or within fifteen (15) days of final completion.
- Liens are only good for six (6) months, and you must file a lawsuit to enforce within six (6) months of the lien being filed to keep it alive.
Stop Lending Notices in Alaska
- A Stop Lending Notice is a notice you can send to a Construction Lender letting them know you are owed money, and if they pay the Owner any money after they receive your notice, the lender will be responsible to pay you.
- You must send a copy of the notice to the Owner and General Contractor.
- You must file a lawsuit to enforce your claim within ninety (90) days of sending the notice to the lender and send the lender a copy of the lawsuit or they can release money to the Owner.
How to File a Bond in Alaska
- Alaska has a Little Miller Act for its public works projects. It requires a bond for any public works projects over $100,000.
- You must send notice to the bond company and the General Contractor within ninety (90) days of last work.
- You must file a lawsuit within one (1) year of the last work and/or material supplied.
If you work in Alaska, you need to commit these rules to memory and put them into practice. Your construction liens and bonds are your leverage, and you deserve to be properly paid for your work. If you need someone else to take care of filing your lien or bond—and do it the right way—contact a qualified Alaska 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. Protect your pay, starting today.