Effective on January 1, 2013, the new mechanic’s lien laws (Iowa Code Chapter 572) for Iowa made significant changes to the existing system. There are changes to both the commercial and residential sides. Changes applicable to both commercial and residential projects include: a new online filing registry and revised provisions regarding attorney’s fees. Changes applicable solely to residential projects include the following: new requirements regarding preliminary notices that must be filed at the start of each project. These notices include: 1) “Notice of Commencement” for general contractors and remodelers, 2) “Preliminary Lien Notices” for subcontractors and suppliers and 3) “Owner Notices” that must be submitted to the owner at the beginning of the project.
Articles
The Misunderstood Preliminary Notice
The preliminary notice, a.k.a. the pre-lien, is a source of confusion for those who wish to manage their construction lien rights. A majority of the
