Construction Law FAQs – Queens, NY (Queens County)
Construction work in Queens is booming—from residential renovations to large-scale commercial developments. But with opportunity comes risk: disputes over payment, improper lien filings, and licensing issues are common. At Kushnick Pallaci PLLC, we help contractors, subcontractors, and property owners throughout Queens County protect their rights through mechanic’s lien filings, trust fund claims, and contract litigation.
📍 Queens Construction Law FAQs
Q: What is the deadline to file a mechanic’s lien in Queens?
A: For private projects, you have 8 months from the last day you supplied labor or materials to file a lien (or 4 months for single-family homes). For public jobs, such as school construction or city-owned projects, you must file a public improvement lien within 30 days of project completion and acceptance.
Q: Can I lien the property if I’m a subcontractor in Queens?
A: Yes. You can file a mechanic’s lien even if you don’t have a contract with the owner—as long as you performed work that improved the property. This is especially important in Queens, where subcontracting tiers are common in residential and commercial work.
Q: What if the owner claims the general contractor has already been paid?
A: That does not eliminate your lien rights. Under New York law, subcontractors can still file a lien even if the owner already paid the GC. You can also consider an Article 3-A trust fund diversion claim if you suspect the GC misused funds that were supposed to pay you.
Q: How do I fight an improper lien in Queens?
A: If you’re a property owner or GC facing a false or exaggerated lien, you can:
- File a §19 petition in Queens Supreme Court to discharge it,
- Demand lien foreclosure, or
- Bond the lien to avoid delays in refinancing or sale.
We regularly represent owners in lien defense actions in Queens.
Q: Do I need a license to enforce a construction contract or lien in Queens?
A: Yes. If your work requires a home improvement license and you’re not licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, you may be barred from suing or filing a lien. This issue often arises in Queens’ residential neighborhoods like Forest Hills, Bayside, and Flushing.
Q: Where are lien and contract disputes handled in Queens?
A: Most construction litigation—including lien foreclosure actions—is heard in Queens County Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd in Jamaica, NY. We frequently appear there on behalf of contractors, suppliers, and owners.
🔗 Related Services:
- Queens Mechanic’s Lien Services
- Construction Contract Enforcement
- Trust Fund Diversion Claims in NYC
📞 Need Help With a Construction Issue in Queens?
From lien filings to trust fund litigation, Kushnick Pallaci PLLC is the trusted name for construction law matters in Queens County.
Call us today at (631) 752-7100 or visit www.nyconstructionlaw.com to speak with an experienced attorney.