The New York Waiver and Release of Lien by Contractor is a legal document commonly used in the construction industry to protect property owners and lenders from potential liens filed by contractors or subcontractors. This waiver signifies that the contractor has received full payment for the services rendered and releases any rights to file a lien against the property. In New York, there are two main types of waivers and releases of lien by contractors: conditional and unconditional. These waivers differ in terms of when they are used and the extent of protection they offer. 1. Conditional Waiver and Release of Lien by Contractor: This type of waiver is used when the contractor has received partial payment or is expecting to receive partial payment for the work completed. It states that the contractor's right to file a lien is waived temporarily until the full payment is received. Once the payment is made, the waiver becomes effective. However, if the payment is not made within the specified timeframe, the waiver is void. 2. Unconditional Waiver and Release of Lien by Contractor: This waiver is used when the contractor has received full payment for the provided services or materials. It releases the contractor's right to file a lien against the property unconditionally, regardless of any payment disputes or outstanding amounts. Once this waiver is signed, the contractor forfeits any lien rights they may have had. It is important for property owners and lenders in New York to obtain waivers and releases of lien from contractors to ensure they are protected from potential legal complications. These documents safeguard against contractors attempting to file liens after receiving payment and provide proof that all financial obligations have been met. To summarize, the New York Waiver and Release of Lien by Contractor is a critical legal document used in the construction industry. Its purpose is to protect property owners and lenders from potential liens filed by contractors or subcontractors. The two main types of waivers are conditional and unconditional, each offering a different level of protection based on the stage of payment received by the contractor. By obtaining these waivers, stakeholders can mitigate the risk of liens and ensure a smooth project completion.