Mechanic’s lien is a statutory security interest in real or personal property that secures payment for labor, materials, or services used to improve, repair, or maintain the property. The lien arises by operation of law rather than by contract, and serves as a remedy to ensure compensation for those who contribute to the enhancement of property value. A properly perfected mechanic’s lien runs with the land and takes priority over subsequent encumbrances.
A mechanic’s lien can be known by many different names depending on the nature of the property or the services or goods provided including an artisan’s lien, a chattel lien, a construction lien, a garageman’s lien, a laborer’s lien, a supplier’s lien, a design professional’s lien, and a materialman’s lien.
Under New York Lien Law §3, a mechanic’s lien on real property extends to contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, landscape gardeners, and other persons who, with the consent or request of the property owner (or the owner’s agent, contractor or subcontractor), furnish labor or materials for the improvement of real property. The lien covers the principal and interest of the value or agreed price of the labor or materials provided, including the benefits and wage supplements due to laborers, and attaches upon the filing of a proper notice of lien.
[Last reviewed in October of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]