Lien in New Jersey
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
New Jersey enforces mechanic's liens with a 90-day filing deadline and requires notice to the property owner before work commences.
How New Jersey treats Lien
New Jersey contractors and suppliers must file mechanic's liens within 90 days of last work or material delivery. The law requires preliminary notice to the property owner before beginning work on residential projects. Lien foreclosure requires a civil action, and the lien holder must prove the debt and work performed; judgment liens also attach to real property and remain valid for 20 years.
The general definition of Lien
A legal claim against property to secure payment of a debt or obligation.
A lien gives someone the right to hold or sell another person's property if a debt isn't paid. For instance, a mechanic who fixes your car might place a lien on it, meaning you can't sell or transfer the car until you pay the repair bill. The person holding the lien doesn't own the property, but they have a legal interest in it that must be satisfied before the owner can freely sell it.
Read the full Lien entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.