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Blog Post  What is a Mechanic's Lien If Not For Mechanics?

The term "mechanic's lien" is often a source of confusion as it sounds like it should be related to cars--but it's not! Learn more about this type of lien and where its name comes from.
12/02/2024
  • Trial Court Law Libraries
Construction worker holding a yellow hardhat and wearing a tool belt.

The Trial Court Law Libraries often receive questions about filing a mechanic’s lien for all kinds of issues from mechanics who have not been paid for their work on cars to a condo association trying to collect a judgment against an owner. One of the main misunderstandings about the Massachusetts mechanic's lien law is that it is related to auto mechanics.

A mechanic’s lien has nothing to do with auto mechanics nor is it a means for collecting a judgment. Rather, it is a lien on real property that may secure payment for labor or materials furnished for construction projects.

So why is it called a mechanic’s lien? We can thank Thomas Jefferson for the creation of mechanic’s lien laws in 1791. Jefferson lobbied for them during the construction of our nation’s capital to protect builders. Prior to the law, supplies and materials to develop and build land were expensive. The mechanic's lien laws assured builders that they would have an ownership interest in the developed land and gave them the security to move forward with projects.

The term “mechanic” is an old English word that refers to people who perform work with their hands, specifically builders and tradespeople.

With the invention of the automobile, the term "mechanic" became synonymous with those who repair vehicles. Thus, the confusion and misunderstanding today as to what a mechanic's lien really refers to.

In Massachusetts, a garage keeper’s lien is a statutory legal remedy that allows a body shop, garage, or mechanic to keep a vehicle in their possession until the owner pays for the work that has been completed. If the owner doesn’t pay, the garage can send a demand letter and then sue the owner in Superior or District Court to obtain a court order to have the vehicle sold to satisfy the debt.

Visit our law about mechanic's liens page for more information.

  • Trial Court Law Libraries 

    There are 15 Trial Court Law Libraries located across Massachusetts to serve the courts, attorneys and the public. We are here to help you with your legal information needs.
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