However, it has occurred to me before that an unethical contractor could just go around doing minor work on abandoned properties and filing liens that the bank would have to pay off down the road. [/quote]
Mechanics liens have many requirements that must be met to make them be worth filing and hold up. A legal contract or employment by someone with a contract or subcontract from a legal agent, for the property in question is one of them. A 20 day notice to the owner to pay or face a recorded lien is another. A motion to foreclose must be undertaken within 90 days of the recording of the lien.
Someone can record an invalid lien but there is no real incentive with regards to abandoned houses.
However, it has occurred to me before that an unethical contractor could just go around doing minor work on abandoned properties and filing liens that the bank would have to pay off down the road. [/quote]
Mechanics liens have many requirements that must be met to make them be worth filing and hold up. A legal contract or employment by someone with a contract or subcontract from a legal agent, for the property in question is one of them. A 20 day notice to the owner to pay or face a recorded lien is another. A motion to foreclose must be undertaken within 90 days of the recording of the lien.
Someone can record an invalid lien but there is no real incentive with regards to abandoned houses.
