Required Lien Notices to the Owner & General Contractor for Both Residential and Commercial Projects: What to Send and When Are They Due? - Arkansas - Webinar

In this detailed blog post, we will explore the lien notices in Arkansas, and the various requirements for both Residential and Commercial properties. Whether you are a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier, comprehending the rules and requirements of lien notices is pivotal to ensure you receive your well-deserved compensation. Read on!

The Significance of Lien Notices

With increasing prevalence of payment delays, lien notices offer a unique remedy for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to safeguard their payment rights. While there many reasons why liens play such a crucial role in the construction industry, here's a breakdown of the key reasons:

• Payment Assurance: Lien notices serve as a powerful tool to ensure that those involved in construction projects are paid for their services and materials. They provide a legal mechanism for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to secure payment for the work they've performed or the materials they've supplied.
• Legal Remedy: In situations where payment disputes arise, lien notices provide a legal remedy for parties seeking compensation. They give these parties the ability to place a lien on the property, essentially creating a cloud on the title. This can make it difficult for property owners to sell or refinance the property until the payment dispute is resolved.
• Risk Mitigation: Given the complexities of construction projects, payment disputes are not uncommon. Lien notices act as a deterrent to non-payment. Property owners and general contractors are aware that failure to pay for services or materials can result in a lien, so they are more likely to address payment issues promptly and fairly.
• Priority of Payment: Lien notices establish a priority for payment in the event of financial difficulties, such as a property owner's bankruptcy. In many cases, parties who have filed valid lien notices have a higher priority for payment over other creditors, increasing their chances of recovering what they are owed.
• Transparency and Accountability: Lien notices require detailed information about the work performed or materials supplied, the amount owed, and the parties involved. This transparency helps ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of their obligations and can hold each other accountable for payment.
• Timely Payment: Arkansas law sets specific timelines and deadlines for sending lien notices. This helps expedite the payment process by ensuring that property owners and general contractors are notified promptly of any payment issues, giving them an opportunity to address the matter without resorting to legal action.
• Protection Against Double Payment: Lien notices also protect property owners from the risk of double payment. By receiving notice of potential liens, property owners can verify whether they owe money to contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers and avoid making duplicate payments for the same work or materials.
• Legal Recourse: If payment disputes escalate, parties with valid lien notices have a legal basis to initiate a lawsuit to enforce their lien rights. This can lead to the foreclosure of the lien, allowing the sale of the property to satisfy the outstanding debt.

What is the "4, 10, 74, 120" Rule?

The "4, 10, 74, 120" rule, are a set of numbers that must be etched into the memory of every contractor and supplier. For residential projects, these numbers are 4, 10, 74, while for commercial projects, they are 10, 74, 120. These numbers correspond to crucial timelines and deadlines within the lien notice process. Let's break down the "4, 10, 74, 120" rule in Arkansas:

4 Days for Residential Projects (or 10 Days for Commercial Projects):

• In residential construction projects (those involving four or fewer units), contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers have a mere 4 days after first providing labor, materials, or equipment to notify the property owner (or the owner's agent) in writing that they are working on the project.
• For commercial construction projects (involving five or more units), the timeline is slightly more lenient, with 10 days allowed for providing this initial notice.

10 Days for Preliminary Notice (Residential) or 74 Days for Notice of Intent to Lien (Commercial):

• After the initial notice period, if you're working on a residential project, you have 10 days to send a preliminary notice to the owner, the owner's agent, and the prime contractor. This preliminary notice should include your name, address, and a general description of the work or materials provided.
• In commercial projects, the timeline is significantly longer. Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers must send a notice of intent to lien no later than 74 days after the last day they provided labor, materials, or equipment to the project.

74 Days for Lien Notice (Residential) or 120 Days for Lien Notice (Commercial):

• For residential projects, you have 74 days from the last day you provided labor, materials, or equipment to the project to file a lien notice. This notice should include detailed information about the work performed, the amount owed, and the parties involved.
• In commercial projects, you have a longer window of 120 days from the last day of labor, materials, or equipment supply to file a lien notice.

120 Days to Enforce the Lien:

Regardless of whether the project is residential or commercial, if you've filed a lien notice, you have 120 days from the date of filing to initiate legal action to enforce the lien. Failure to do so within this timeframe may result in the lien becoming unenforceable.

It's important to note that strict compliance with these timelines and deadlines is crucial in Arkansas. Any deviations or missed deadlines can potentially render your lien notice invalid, jeopardizing your ability to secure payment through a lien. Therefore, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers should maintain meticulous records, stay organized, and seek legal advice if they have any doubts or encounter payment issues during a construction project.

How are Residential from Commercial Work different?

Discerning between residential and commercial projects is paramount when it comes to lien notices. While the distinction may appear self-evident, Arkansas law defines a residential project as one comprising four or fewer units. Projects boasting five or more units are classified as commercial. This distinction can significantly influence the handling of lien notices.

What is the 10-Day Notice?

The 10-day notice before initiating a lien filing is critical as it grants property owners the opportunity to verify any outstanding payments. It also prevents them from making duplicate payments for the same work. Furthermore, the notice must be dispatched to pertinent parties up the payment chain.

What is the 74-Day Notice?

In commercial projects, it is imperative to dispatch a notice no later than the 74th day following the final day of labor, material, or equipment supply. This notice should meticulously outline the work performed and the corresponding outstanding amounts. It is recommended to include this notice with your invoice to expedite the payment process.

What are the Notice Requirements § 18-44-115 (b)(6)?

The notice requirements are designed to safeguard and support the rights of the owner. The strict adherence to lien notice requirements is crucial because these notices exist to protect suppliers, laborers, and equipment providers. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to meticulously follow these requirements. Even slight deviations from the rules can lead to the invalidation of your notice, putting your ability to file a lien at risk.

The notice shall contain the following information:

• (A) A general description of the labor, service, or materials furnished, and the amount due and unpaid; (must detail the labor or materials, cannot simply state labor & materials; must include a statement of account showing what is owed and is nay payments have been made on account)
• (B) The name and address of the person furnishing the labor, service, or materials;

(this is the name and address of the supplier, not the recipient, if this is a supplier, show supplier not subcontractor’s info)

• (C) The name of the person who contracted for purchase of the labor, service, or materials;

(this is who your contact is at the project, either GC, Sub or possibly Owner/agent)

• (D) A description of the job site sufficient for identification; and

(cannot be street or physical address alone)

• (E) The following statement set out in boldface type and all capital letters

Know more: What happens after I file my lien? How do I get Paid?

Conclusion

Comprehending lien notices correctly is paramount for anyone involved in the construction industry. Adhering to Arkansas lien laws is essential to safeguard your rights and ensure prompt remuneration for your efforts. Keep the "4, 10, 74, 120" rule in mind, pay meticulous attention to detail when preparing your notices, and seek professional help if any doubts arise. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the complex realm of lien notices more adeptly, securing the compensation you rightly deserve for your diligent work.

Ready to streamline your legal and compliance needs? Discover the efficiency, accuracy, and convenience of SunRay. Click here to explore our services and transform your business!