What the New “Lien Agent” Laws Mean For Project Owners

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Robinson Bradshaw Publication
March 12, 2013

Most people in the construction industry are generally aware of the new requirements that were recently enacted, which require project stakeholders to file certain paperwork with so-called “lien agents.” Lien agents are supposed to serve as a clearinghouse for lien documentation and create a more comprehensive strategy of dealing with liens on construction projects in North Carolina. However, with some of the recent changes to North Carolina lien laws already taking effect on January 1 and even more changes set to take effect on April 1, the biggest question for most project stakeholders remains unanswered: how do the new lien laws affect me?

Not surprisingly, the answer to this question varies for project owners, general contractors and subcontractors. This alert explains the real-world application of the new lien laws, particularly as they apply to you, the project owner.

Other than a few exceptions, the new lien agent laws apply to all private projects over $30,000. For owners of these projects, the new requirements can be distilled into five basic action items:

With the enactment of the new lien statutes, an already confusing process has only become increasingly convoluted. Project owners seeking to ensure that their projects are conducted in accordance with the newly enacted lien laws should seek counsel from competent construction lawyers to ensure full compliance with the new laws.

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