If the subcontractor/supplier isn’t paid, they must file a “claim of mechanic’s lien” in the county where the property is located. The subcontractor/supplier then has typically two to six months to work out a solution with the property owner or file a lawsuit.

File a Notice of Contract at the beginning of a job. Massachusetts lien law says a subcontractor may only collect against an owner if he has filed a mechanic’s lien. Then, the owner only owes the subcontractor money to the extent that money is owed to the General Contractor at the time the lien is filed.