Construction Law FAQs – Manhattan (New York County)
Construction work in Manhattan comes with some of the highest stakes—and strictest enforcement—anywhere in New York. Whether you’re working on a high-rise, condo conversion, or public infrastructure project, it’s essential to understand your rights under New York’s construction and lien laws. At Kushnick Pallaci PLLC, we represent contractors, subcontractors, and owners in Manhattan construction disputes, lien claims, and trust fund matters.
📍 Manhattan Construction Law FAQs
Q: What is the deadline to file a mechanic’s lien on a Manhattan project?
A: For private construction projects, you must file your lien within 8 months of last providing labor or materials—or 4 months for single-family homes. For public projects, the deadline is 30 days after the public entity formally completes and accepts the work.
🕒 Deadlines are strictly enforced in Manhattan Supreme Court—late filings will be rejected.
Q: Can I file a lien on a condo unit in Manhattan?
A: Yes. You can file a lien against an individual condominium unit if the work was authorized by the unit owner. If your work benefited common areas or was contracted by the board, you may need to file against the condo association. Drafting the lien properly is crucial—we frequently handle lien filings on Manhattan condos and co-ops.
Q: Is a license required to enforce a contract or lien in Manhattan?
A: Yes. If your work requires a home improvement license, and you are unlicensed by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) at the time of the work, you may be barred from:
- Enforcing your contract in court
- Filing or foreclosing on a lien
Licensing issues are especially common in Manhattan’s high-end residential renovations.
Q: What is Article 3-A of the Lien Law, and how is it used in Manhattan disputes?
A: Article 3-A designates funds received on a construction project as trust funds, which must be used to pay subcontractors and suppliers. If a general contractor or construction manager diverts these funds for unrelated uses, they can be held personally liable for trust fund diversion. We frequently litigate these cases in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Q: How are lien foreclosures and construction lawsuits handled in Manhattan?
A: Most are litigated in the Supreme Court, New York County, located at 60 Centre Street. The court is familiar with:
- Lien foreclosure actions
- Delay and change order claims
- Trust fund diversion cases
- Claims involving luxury developments and condo boards
We have extensive experience litigating in this venue.
Q: What if I received a Notice of Pendency or a lien foreclosure complaint in Manhattan?
A: You must act quickly. A Notice of Pendency may cloud your property’s title and delay financing or sales. You may be able to:
- Discharge the lien under Lien Law §19
- Challenge the foreclosure action
- Force the claimant to post a bond
Our firm regularly defends owners, developers, and contractors in Manhattan foreclosure and lien defense cases.
🔗 Related Services:
- Construction Contract Disputes – NYC
- Manhattan Lien Filing & Defense
- Trust Fund Diversion Litigation
📞 Construction Law Representation in Manhattan
Kushnick Pallaci PLLC has a strong record of success representing contractors, subcontractors, and owners in complex Manhattan construction matters. From lien filings to high-stakes litigation, we know the local landscape.
Call (631) 752-7100 today or visit www.nyconstructionlaw.com to protect your rights.