If an owner decides to retain payment due to a lien, what is the contractor's immediate course of action?

When an owner retains payment due to a lien, the most appropriate immediate action for the contractor is to dispute the lien. This is essential because disputing allows the contractor to formally challenge the validity or the amount of the lien that has been claimed against them. By disputing the lien, the contractor can engage in dialogue or legal processes that may lead to a resolution of the matter without escalating the conflict further.

Disputing a lien typically involves providing evidence or documentation that supports the contractor's position about the work performed and payments rendered. This can include contracts, payment receipts, or communication records. Addressing the lien head-on can help to protect the contractor's rights and interests in the situation at hand.

Other options, such as filing a new lien or initiating a lawsuit, may not be the most effective first steps. Filing a new lien generally doesn't mitigate the issue at hand and might complicate matters further, while initiating a lawsuit is often a lengthy and costly process that may not be necessary unless the dispute cannot be resolved through simpler means. Changing contractors may not directly address the issue with the lien and could lead to further complications in the project or contractual arrangement.