Take advantage of the leverage provided by your liens. While it isn’t always simple to locate the specific lien laws that make this possible in your state, it is essential. We’re here to take away the complexity and confusion and give it to you straight. If you work in Rhode Island and need to know the lien laws, this is the site for you. Here, we break down exactly what the state of Rhode Island requires for you to properly file a valid construction lien and bond claim.
How to File a Valid Lien in Rhode Island:
- You must send the Owner a “Notice of Intention to Work or Furnish Materials or Both” within two hundred (200) days of the first time work was performed and/or materials supplied.
- This notice must also be filed in the land evidence records where the property is located within two hundred (200) days of the first time work was performed and/or materials supplied.
- You must file a complaint to enforce and a notice of Lis Pendens within forty (40) days of filing the “Notice of Intention to Work or Furnish Materials or Both.”
- Place 1* contractors must have a Notice of Possible Mechanic’s Lien in their contracts or send it to the Owner via certified mail in order to file a lien.
How to Have a Valid Bond Claim in Rhode Island:
- A payment bond is required for public projects of more than $50,000.
- Place 2* Contractors and Material Suppliers can file suit on a payment bond if they have not been paid ninety (90) days after the last time work was performed and/or materials supplied.
- Place 3* and below Contractors and Material Suppliers need to send notice of unpaid amounts to the Place 1* Contractor within ninety (90) days of the last time work was performed and/or materials supplied.
- You have two (2) years from the time the last work was performed and/or materials supplied to file suit to enforce your bond claim.
If you work in Rhode Island, following these laws is the best way to collect the payment you deserve for the work that you’ve done. Be sure to take the time to understand and implement them because they can make or break your business. If you need someone else to take care of filing your construction lien or bond claims, and do it the right way, contact a professional Rhode Island lien attorney who is experienced with construction law. Our sister company, The Cromeens Law Firm, has a lien and collections team ready to take care of it for you. Your state’s rules are in place for a purpose. Following them is your golden ticket to financial compensation!
*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.