The term “mechanic’s lien” describes a document that can be recorded with county government by an unpaid contractor or construction materials supplier. The recording of a mechanic’s lien relating to a property effectively prevents the owner from selling or refinancing the property without either paying the bill or establishing in court that the lien is invalid. When construction is performed for an individual owner on his/her condominium unit or planned development lot, the owner’s contractors and construction materials suppliers can record mechanic’s liens against that owner’s unit or lot, but cannot record mechanic’s liens against the common area or against any other owner’s unit or lot. When construction is performed for the association on the common area, the association’s contractors and construction materials suppliers can record mechanic’s liens against the common area and every unit or lot. An owner who learns that a mechanic’s lien has been recorded against his/her unit or lot should consult an attorney.
