A New York mechanic’s lien is a document that allows a contractor or supplier (the “claimant”) to make a claim on a property after its owner fails to fulfill payment for services or materials. Even if the claimant was working on the property as a subcontractor, the property owner will be the subject of the lien and responsible for resolving the debt. The lien is filed with the county clerk where the property is located and recorded publicly.

Unlike the majority of states, New York does not require the claimant to give the property owner any notice before filing a mechanic’s lien. However, a copy of the lien must be served on the owner between five (5) days before and thirty (30) days after its filing date (§ 11).