Lien Waiver

What is a lien waiver?

A lien waiver (or lien release) is a signed statement confirming that a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier has been paid and gives up the right to place a lien on the property for that amount. Property owners and general contractors often require one before releasing a payment, especially when retainage is due.

A lien is a legal claim against a property for unpaid work. Waivers give the owner proof that the people who worked on the property will not make that claim later.

Types of lien waivers

There are four common types:

• Conditional progress: Waives rights for a progress billing payment, only once that payment clears
• Unconditional progress: Waives rights for a stage payment that has already been received
• Conditional final: Waives all remaining rights, only once the final payment clears
• Unconditional final: Waives all remaining rights after the final payment has been received

Need one now? Use the Invoicer lien waiver generator to create conditional or unconditional waivers for progress and final payments in minutes.

Protecting yourself

Never sign an unconditional waiver before the money has actually reached your account as a cleared payment. Match each waiver to the specific invoice and amount it covers, and keep copies with your documentation. Rules vary by state and province, so check local requirements.