Connecticut Mechanic’s Lien

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Below is an overview of the preliminary steps for filing a mechanic’s lien in the state of Connecticut.

COMMERCIAL:

  • Upfront Notice: BICA sends a Courtesy Notice.
  • Follow-up Notices (if not paid):
    • Notice of Intent:
      • A Notice of Intent to Claim a Lien must be served within 90 days of your last delivery.
      • Notice must be served by “any indifferent person, state marshal or other proper officer”.
      • Note that this is the same deadline as for filing the Certificate of Lien.

RESIDENTIAL:

  • Same handlings as for Commercial jobs.

PUBLIC:

  • Upfront Notice: BICA sends a Courtesy Notice.
  • Follow-up Notices:
    • Notice of Claim (Notice of Non-Payment):
      • If you are not paid within 30 days of the date the Contractor or Subcontractor you are working for received payment for your services, you can send this notice.
      • If you are then not paid within 10 days of receipt of the notice, the non-paying party becomes liable for the amount owed, plus 1% interest per month.
      • You may also demand that the amount claimed, plus interest, be placed in an escrow account in the state.
        • BICA includes this demand in our notice.
        • If non-paying party fails to set up the escrow account, and you are found to have substantially performed the work according to the terms of employment, then the non-paying party will be required to pay your attorney fees.
      • This notice is available on the BICA member portal.
  • Notice of Claim on Bond:
    • This notice must be sent to the Surety (and copy to the Contractor) within 180 days of your last delivery on the job.
    • The first date you can make this claim against the bond varies:
      • It is 90 days after the Contractor or Sub-contractor received payment—if you were included on a paid requisition submitted to the awarding authority, or on an estimate prepared by the awarding authority.
        • For example, you may make claim 60 days after the payment was due, which was 30 days after the non-paying party received payment.
      • If not included on a requisition or estimate, it is 60 days after your last delivery.
    • This notice is available on the BICA member portal.

Throughout our site you can find more resources on the process of filing mechanic’s liens and preliminary notices. If you’re ready to get started, be sure to reach out to us on our contact page, or call us at (800) 722-2422.