Massachusetts law about mechanics' liens

Laws, cases and web sources on mechanics' lien law.

A builder, contractor, or subcontractor can record a mechanic's lien at a Registry of Deeds on property (not automobiles) for which they have supplied labor and/or materials in order to secure payment for their work.

If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, or if you have a specific question, please contact our law librarians for assistance.

Table of Contents

Massachusetts laws

MGL c. 254 Liens on buildings and land

Federal laws

12 USC 1701j-3 Real property loans, due-on-sale clauses, liens subordinate to security interests

12 USC 2615 Contracts and liens; validity

Forms

Sample forms may be found in the Print Sources listed below. You may also submit requests through the Trial Court Law Libraries' Request a Document service.

Selected cases

Web sources

Massachusetts’ Mechanics’ Lien Law as of 2012, Sauer, Jonathan P. 
Discusses new concepts and forms under the amended statute as well as putting a mechanics' lien on the common areas of condominiums.

Massachusetts Mechanic's Lien Law summary of requirements, Worcester Registry of Deeds.
Handy chart that outlines requirements by party.

The New Massachusetts Mechanics' Lien Law, Sauer, Jonathan P., 1996.
"In order to understand the changes in the lien law, it is necessary to recite the basic tenets of the existing law. Thereafter, we will extensively comment on the changes brought about by the new lien law and will suggest forms for complying with the same." Provides a good outline of how the law works, and the forms that need to be filed.

Print sources

Handbook of standards and forms, Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts, 2004, Standards 62, 63, 64.

Lien law and prompt pay update, MCLE, 2011.

Massachusetts construction law and litigation, 2nd ed., MCLE, loose-leaf. Chapter 5. 

Massachusetts construction law: Mechanics liens, payments and disputes, Lorman, 2014.

Massachusetts conveyancers' handbook with forms, by Edward C. Mendler. West Group, with supplement. Sec. 6:22 and 9:8.

Massachusetts Practice Series:

Massachusetts real estate liens, 3rd ed., MCLE, 2023, Chapter 3.

Massachusetts real estate litigation, LexisNexis, 2023, Chapter 2 Construction litigation, mechanics liens.

"The Mechanic's Lien - Are You Protected?," 48 New Eng. L. Rev. 579 (2014).

Contact   for Massachusetts law about mechanics' liens

Last updated: March 14, 2024

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback