Is this a valid lien against my house? How can I get it removed?

Question

We finished my basement this summer, and bought tile from a local distributor through a locally owned franchise of a national buying club.

We paid for the tile through the buying club, and received a receipt.

After receiving and installing the tile, the buyers club franchise went out of business, and did not pay the tile company.

The tile company immediately placed a lien against our house, where the tile is installed. I called them and they stated that I owed them money because the tile was installed in my house.

Two questions:

1. We paid for the tile and dealt with the buying club in good faith - can they place a lien against our house?

2. If the lien is not valid - how can we get it removed?

Thanks for any help or advice.

Answer 1

Geez....why doesn't this sort of thing happen to me????

Do you still have your receipt to show the tile was paid for?  

Even if you don't, unless the tile company can show they have a purchase agreement with you, there is simply no way imaginable that they can legally place a contractors lien against your home!  

I don't know what state you are in, so I can't research this....but I suggest you get in touch with a local lawyer and file a lawsuit.  This is especially true if this lien has caused you any financial hardship, such as the inability to sell your home, or if it has made it's way on to your credit reports.

Pretend you won the lottery...you just need to go after your money.