lien without judgement?

[luckymom]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IL

I am in dispute with a contractor who did some shoddy work on my home. He is threatening to place a lien on my house. I thought he could only do this if there is a judgement against me (there has not been). Is this possible?

Thank you!

 

[Some Random Guy]

Sorry, licensed contractors who perform work on a house are legally allowed to place liens on that property if they have not been paid for their services. Once a lien is placed, you will need to pay off the lien before the property can be sold.

See this contractor lawyer's site for general info on contractor liens in IL

What is a Mechanics Lien and how does it work?

 

[luckymom]

Thanks. Is the correct thing to do then to pay and then sue? He represented himself as a licensed plumber but I have since found out that he is not licensed by either the state or the city of chicago. He was either incompetent or attempting to scam me.

 

[Some Random Guy]

Whoa!

Since he is an UNLICENSED contractor, he will not be able to place a mechanics lien on your property. He will have to sue you for payment.

Contact the city and ask them where you report contractors misrepresenting themselves as being licensed.

List of Chicago licensed plumbers can be found at:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/w...Name=Buildings&deptMainCategoryOID=-536883467