Common notification methods include sending multiple unpaid bills in the mail but these bills can be lost or not reach the appropriate person before a lien is placed. They can also arrive when the previous homeowner was at the property but cease by the time a new homeowner moves in.
In Minnesota, an action to enforce a mechanics lien must be initiated within 1 year from the date of the lien claimant's last furnishing of labor or materials to the project. If a claimant records their lien close to Minnesota's 120-day filing deadline, they will have about 8 months to enforce the claim.
First, if no lawsuit is filed within a year, the homeowner can obtain a certificate from the circuit court clerk confirming that no lawsuit has been filed and the lien is removed by recording the clerk certificate with the register of deeds. The second way is through a bonding-off process.
A payoff request allows a third party to receive the current balance due to release a lien or facilitate a business transfer (bulk sale transfer or liquor license). To release a lien or facilitate a bulk sale transfer, businesses must be in good standing to receive a payoff request.