Nova Scotia - Builders' Lien - Regular Service

Builders’ liens in Nova Scotia: you are eligible to file a lien a property if you have performed work or supplied materials that are deemed to be an improvement to an owner, contractor or sub-contractor for use on the land. Your lien rights begin as soon as you have first provided your services or materials to a job site.

Filing a builder’s lien lets both your customer and the property owner know you are serious about getting paid. Once a lien is registered, it will hold up the release of any funds (i.e. project draws) and it can prevent the sale or transfer of the property.

In Nova Scotia you have 60 days from the date last on site, date of last supply or date of abandonment to file a builders’ lien.

To file a lien you must have:

• Address, legal description or GPS coordinates of job location
• Your customer’s name and address
• Short description of work or materials provided
• Date last on site or date of last supply
• Total amount owing for project

Your lien is valid for 105 days from the date you last provided work or materials. After 105 days your lien will expire unless you have commenced legal action to perfect your claim prior to expiry.