In the complex world of construction and contracting, one of the most powerful tools available to ensure payment for services rendered is the lien.
A lien is a legal claim against a property that can be used to secure payment for unpaid work or materials.
Filing a lien can be a daunting process, but it is often necessary to protect your rights and interests as a contractor or supplier.
Sample Letters of Intent to File a Lien
One of the first steps in the lien filing process is to send a letter of intent to the property owner, general contractor, or other relevant parties.
In this article, we will explore 15 sample letters of intent to file a lien, each tailored to a specific situation and designed to help you navigate this critical process with confidence and clarity.
1. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Mechanic’s Lien for Unpaid Construction Work
Dear [Property Owner],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the general contractor engaged to perform construction work at your property located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for work completed on the project.
Under the terms of our contract and following state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all work performed and materials supplied. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a mechanic’s lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a mechanic’s lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a mechanic’s lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact your ability to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
2. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Material Supplier’s Lien for Unpaid Materials
Dear [General Contractor],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the material supplier engaged to provide [Type of Materials] for the construction project located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for materials supplied to the project.
Under the terms of our agreement and by state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all materials supplied. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a material supplier’s lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a material supplier’s lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a material supplier’s lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact the ability of the property owner to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
3. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Subcontractor’s Lien for Unpaid Labor and Materials
Dear [General Contractor],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the subcontractor engaged to perform [Type of Work] for the construction project located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for labor and materials provided to the project.
Under the terms of our subcontract agreement and in accordance with state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all labor and materials provided. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a subcontractor’s lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a subcontractor’s lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a subcontractor’s lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact the ability of the property owner to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
4. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Construction Lien for Unpaid Change Orders
Dear [Property Owner],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the general contractor engaged to perform construction work at your property located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for approved change orders completed on the project.
Under the terms of our contract and in accordance with state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all work performed, including approved change orders. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a construction lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a construction lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a construction lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact your ability to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
5. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Design Professional’s Lien for Unpaid Architectural Services
Dear [Property Owner],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the architectural firm engaged to provide design services for your property located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for architectural services provided on the project.
Under the terms of our agreement and in accordance with state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all professional services rendered. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a design professional’s lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a design professional’s lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a design professional’s lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact your ability to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
6. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Mechanic’s Lien for Unpaid HVAC Work
Dear [Property Owner],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the HVAC contractor engaged to perform heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work at your property located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for HVAC services provided on the project.
Under the terms of our contract and in accordance with state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all work performed and materials supplied. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a mechanic’s lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a mechanic’s lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a mechanic’s lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact your ability to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
7. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Construction Lien for Unpaid Electrical Work
Dear [General Contractor],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the electrical subcontractor engaged to perform electrical work for the construction project located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for electrical services provided to the project.
Under the terms of our subcontract agreement and in accordance with state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all labor and materials provided. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a construction lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a construction lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a construction lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact the ability of the property owner to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
8. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Mechanic’s Lien for Unpaid Plumbing Work
Dear [Property Owner],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the plumbing contractor engaged to perform plumbing work at your property located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for plumbing services provided on the project.
Under the terms of our contract and by state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all work performed and materials supplied. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a mechanic’s lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a mechanic’s lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a mechanic’s lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact your ability to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
9. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Material Supplier’s Lien for Unpaid Landscaping Materials
Dear [General Contractor],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the material supplier engaged to provide landscaping materials for the construction project located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for materials supplied to the project.
Under the terms of our agreement and by state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all materials supplied. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a material supplier’s lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a material supplier’s lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a material supplier’s lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact the ability of the property owner to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
10. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Construction Lien for Unpaid Roofing Work
Dear [Property Owner],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the roofing contractor engaged to perform roofing work at your property located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for roofing services provided on the project.
Under the terms of our contract and by state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all work performed and materials supplied. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a construction lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a construction lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a construction lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact your ability to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
11. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Mechanic’s Lien for Unpaid Painting Work
Dear [General Contractor],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the painting subcontractor engaged to perform painting work for the construction project located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for painting services provided to the project.
Under the terms of our subcontract agreement and in accordance with state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all labor and materials provided. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a mechanic’s lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a mechanic’s lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a mechanic’s lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact the ability of the property owner to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
12. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Construction Lien for Unpaid Masonry Work
Dear [Property Owner],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the masonry contractor engaged to perform masonry work at your property located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for masonry services provided on the project.
Under the terms of our contract and in accordance with state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all work performed and materials supplied. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a construction lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a construction lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a construction lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact your ability to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
13. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Mechanic’s Lien for Unpaid Excavation Work
Dear [General Contractor],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the excavation subcontractor engaged to perform excavation work for the construction project located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for excavation services provided to the project.
Under the terms of our subcontract agreement and in accordance with state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all labor and materials provided. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a mechanic’s lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a mechanic’s lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a mechanic’s lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact the ability of the property owner to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
14. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Material Supplier’s Lien for Unpaid Concrete Materials
Dear [General Contractor],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the material supplier engaged to provide concrete materials for the construction project located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for materials supplied to the project.
Under the terms of our agreement and in accordance with state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all materials supplied. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a material supplier’s lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a material supplier’s lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a material supplier’s lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact the ability of the property owner to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
15. Subject: Notice of Intent to File a Construction Lien for Unpaid Flooring Work
Dear [Property Owner],
I am writing on behalf of [Your Company], the flooring contractor engaged to perform flooring work at your property located at [Property Address]. Despite repeated requests for payment, we have not received the outstanding balance of [Amount Owed] for flooring services provided on the project.
Under the terms of our contract and in accordance with state law, we are entitled to prompt payment for all work performed and materials supplied. The failure to pay the outstanding balance constitutes a breach of contract and entitles us to seek legal remedies, including the filing of a construction lien against the property.
To avoid the need for legal action, we request that you make full payment of the outstanding balance within 10 days of receipt of this letter. If payment is not received within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to proceed with filing a construction lien and pursuing all available legal remedies to secure payment.
Please be advised that a construction lien will create a legal encumbrance on the property and may impact your ability to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. It is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter promptly and amicably.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payment arrangements, please contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
Conclusion
These 15 sample letters of intent to file a lien demonstrate the various situations in which contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers may need to assert their legal rights to secure payment for work performed or materials supplied on a construction project.
By using these templates as a guide and adapting them to your specific circumstances, you can effectively communicate your intent to file a lien and protect your financial interests.
When crafting your letter of intent to file a lien, be sure to:
- Identify the property owner, general contractor, or other relevant party
- Specify the exact amount owed and the nature of the work or materials provided
- Reference the applicable contract or agreement and state law governing lien rights
- Set a clear deadline for payment and the consequences of non-payment
- Maintain a professional and firm tone while expressing a willingness to resolve the matter amicably
Remember, filing a lien is a serious legal action that should not be taken lightly. It is always best to attempt to resolve payment disputes through open communication and negotiation before resorting to legal remedies.
However, when necessary, a well-crafted letter of intent to file a lien can be a powerful tool for securing the payment you are rightfully owed and protecting your business in the complex world of construction and contracting.