An Oregon mechanic’s lien is a legal document that a contractor files against a property when the owner has failed to pay for services or supplies. By filing this document with the county recorder’s office within the property’s jurisdiction, the contractor (the “claimant”) makes a claim of financial interest on the property for the amount that they are owed under their contract.

Even if the claimant’s contract is with a party other than the owner, such as a general contractor or authorized subcontractor, the lien will be made on the owner’s property and the owner will need to see that the debt is paid to remove the lien.