What component is necessary for a Mechanics lien to be valid?

A Mechanics lien serves to protect a contractor or supplier’s right to payment for work performed or materials supplied in connection with real estate. For a Mechanics lien to be valid, there must be evidence of material improvement to the property, which refers to the actual construction, repairs, or other enhancements that have been completed. This requirement ensures that the lien is tied directly to the value added to the property, signifying that work has been done or materials have been provided which contributes to its overall worth.

While proof of ownership and a written contract can be relevant to the enforcement and protection of such a lien, they are not strictly required for the validity of the lien itself. The fundamental aspect is that there has been some form of material improvement, as this anchors the claim to the property involved, making it clear that the lien is justified based on the contributions made by the contractor or supplier. Therefore, the requirement of evidence of material improvement highlights the lien's connection to the work performed on the property.