Massachusetts has extended mechanic’s lien rights to architects, engineers and other design professionals. The law, which was signed by Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick on January 5, 2011, becoming effective on July 1, 2011, allows architects, other design professionals, and project managers to place a mechanic’s lien on property if they are not paid for their services. The elements of the new Massachusetts mechanics lien law include:
\u2022\tThe professional must record a notice of contract and a statement of account in the local registry of deeds. Deadlines are the same as those required for contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. The filings must be completed within 60 days after recording a notice of substantial completion or within 90 days of last providing professional services, whichever is earlier.
\u2022\tConsultants that do not have a contract with the owner must have been approved in writing by the property owner.
\u2022\tIf there is a distribution after a property sale to satisfy more than one lien, the contractor and subcontractor lien claimants are to be satisfied before distributions to designer lien claimants.<\/p>\n