Common Questions About Minnesota’s Mechanic’s Lien Law

Construction and real estate litigation partner James Hartnett and associate Josh Peterson coauthored an article for Finance & Commerce that addresses five key questions related to the pursuit of a mechanic’s lien claim in Minnesota before filing a lien foreclosure action.

The authors explain that contractors and subcontractors have a powerful tool under Minnesota law to ensure that they will be paid: filing a mechanic’s lien. However, they note that filing liens can be tricky; if done improperly, the contractor or subcontractor may be left without recourse.

Hartnett and Peterson also answer the following questions:

1. What work is lienable?
2. What pre-lien notices must contractors give the owner?
3. How do you perfect a mechanic’s lien?
4. When is the last day of work?
5. How should claimants calculate the lien amount?

The full article is available for Finance & Commerce subscribers.