Since there are several forms of liens, best practices dictate that you work with your association's attorney to:
- document the paper trail that the association is required to follow before filing a lien (this process is described in your governing documents)
- verify that the owner has not made an alternative payment agreement of some kind
- pursue the proper lien form and its legal filing, which appropriately clouds the title to the property so that the unpaid amounts are paid if/when the property is sold.
In USA, this strategy is effective in any state. Your state may have additional steps, which your association attorney can help you follow.
