Hello. Can a contractor that started a job without contract or any written agreement file for a lien (in MA)? How can a homeowner protect themself? If he does, what does it mean for a homeowner?
Section 1. A person to whom a debt is due for personal labor performed in the erection, alteration, repair or removal of a building or structure upon land or improvement or alteration to real property, by virtue of an agreement with, or by consent of, the owner of such building or structure, or of a person having authority from or rightfully acting for such owner in procuring or furnishing such labor, shall, under the provisions of this chapter, other than section four, have a lien upon such building or structure and upon such interest in such real property, land, building, structure, or improvement owned by the party authorizing or consenting to said work, for not more than thirty days' work actually performed for the ninety days next prior to his filing a statement as provided in section eight.