When Is A “Notice To Owner” Required?

Anyone furnishing professional services, materials, or equipment for the improvement of real property must provide the property owner (and in some circumstances the prime contractor) a Notice to Owner unless:

1. the lien claimant contracted directly with the owner or owner’s common law agent;
2. the lien claimant is a laborer whose claim is based solely upon performing labor; or
3.  the lien claimant is a subcontractor contracting directly with the prime contractor (except in the case of improvements to an existing owner-occupied single family residence or appurtenant garage, in which case a notice to the owner-occupier must be provided).

Kristal M. Cowger, Attorney at Law

Blado Kiger Bolan, Tacoma, Wash.