Full question:
What legal form should my plumbing company send a customer that has an unpaid bill refusing to pay in order to collect the debt?
- Category: Contractors
- Subcategory: Construction Liens
- Date:
- State: Rhode Island
Answer:
If a plumbing company faces an unpaid bill from a customer who refuses to pay, there are legal options available. In many states, contractors can place a lien on the property they improved, which serves as leverage for payment. This process is specific to contractors like plumbers, differing from other service providers.
In Rhode Island, for instance, a contractor has 120 days from the completion of labor or materials to initiate the lien process. Certain notices must be provided to the homeowner as part of this process.
If the property is not residential or if the lien process is insufficient, the contractor can pursue payment through civil court. For claims under $2,500, small claims court is an option. A successful case can result in a judgment that the court can enforce.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.