Construction Liens

At Field Law, our comprehensive knowledge of the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act is what sets us apart. This legislation is complicated, and our team is experienced with not only the registration of liens, but in litigating construction liens, whether it be proving the validity of and enforcing a lien or assisting clients in disputing liens registered against a project and holding up funding.

We have extensive experience in registering liens at Land Titles, as well as liens registered against mineral leases or other agreements at the Minister of Energy. We provide advice and assistance as to the most effective and efficient ways to deal with liens in order to maintain required cash flow while preserving statutory lien rights.

Holdbacks

Holdbacks are the process by which owners of land can limit their exposure on a secured lien. The 10% holdbacks kept by the owners (or contractors) are the first part of the  lien fund. The second part of the lien fund is work that has been done on the property but has not yet been paid for (ie. amounts owing). The lien fund can ultimately be paid into court to discharge liens from the owners property, and thereby avoid collection proceedings taken against the land.

The problem arises when payment is made to the contractor, who does not pay his subcontractors. In such a case, the subcontractors may file liens against the owners' property, despite the fact that payment has been made to the contractor. In such cases, the owners' liability is limited to 10% of the value of the work done plus any amounts unpaid. If at the time the owner made payment to the general contractor there were no liens registered, then that payment will serve  to reduce the lien fund. If there were liens registered, the payment will not reduce the lien fund. Hence, no payment should be made by the owners on any contract when there are construction liens on title.

Contact Us

We are pleased to answer any questions and provide assistance regarding any aspect of the construction lien process, including issues such as, who has the ability to file liens, what lands can be liened, when the lien period commences, what steps are required to preserve a lien once it is registered, taking or forcing action on a lien, or removing wrongfully registered liens from title. Whatever the situation, our lawyers are well equipped to assist you with any construction lien problems that arise.