Who can file a mechanic's lien?

• A. A general contractor or supplier who furnished labor or materials for a property improvement and was not paid
• B. The borrower only
• C. The lender only
• D. The city recorder

Answer: (A)

A mechanic’s lien is a security interest that protects someone who contributed labor or materials to improve a property and hasn’t been paid. The right to file this lien comes from the party who actually supplied the value—typically a general contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier who furnished labor or materials for the property’s improvement. The lien ensures they can get paid by encumbering the property if necessary. It’s not filed by the borrower or the lender themselves, and while the city recorder handles recording documents, they don’t initiate the lien on behalf of a claimant.