Consumer Encyclopedia
Lien law
Lien law (also Mechanic's Lien)
Related Pulications
When having work done on your home, or building a new home, Missouri law can protect you from having to pay contractors and subcontractors for the same work.
Sometimes, a contractor fails to pay a subcontractor, such as a plumber. You want to avoid having the plumber put a lien on your property (known as a mechanic's lien) until he's paid. Use caution if you are asked to sign a Consent of Owner statement — this can remove your protection against double payments.
The safest route is to require your contractor to prove to you that all subcontractors have been paid for labor and materials.
