Washington DC Mechanic's Lien Guide

Subcontractors, materialmen, and laborers hired by the original contractor have the same lien rights as the contractor. The notice of mechanic's lien ("notice of intent") must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds during construction or within 90 days after the earlier of completion or termination of the project, or the lien terminates. Within 5 business days after recording, send a copy of the recorded notice of intent to the owner by certified mail (post it at the property if returned unclaimed). Washington DC is an unpaid-balance state: a subcontractor's lien is limited to the amount due, or to become due, but unpaid to the original contractor by the owner, and is satisfied only out of that amount. If the owner in good faith has paid the original contractor in full, subcontractors generally cannot claim a lien; giving the owner written notice of amounts due while a balance is still owed to the contractor is prima facie evidence that later payments were not made in good faith. A lawsuit to enforce the lien must be filed within 180 days after the notice of intent is recorded, and a notice of pendency of action recorded within 10 days of filing suit.