What is a Public Improvement Lien?

A Public Improvement Lien is utilized on public projects such as City & State projects, school districts, etc. The Lien attaches the amount you are owed to a property owned by the state, county, city or town. The Municipality withholds payment from the contractor; the agency will hold back 150% of the value of your Public Improvement Lien from the Prime Contractor on the project until your lien has been satisfied. 

You have 30 days from the time the project is accepted by the agency – regardless of when your work was finished – to file your Mechanic’s Lien on a public project in New York City.