Field Guide to Commercial Broker Lien Laws
(Updated June 2009)
Commercial broker lien laws allow liens to be filed on commercial properties for the full payment of commissions. In states that have enacted commercial lien laws, there has been a dramatic decline in commission collection litigation and arbitration. This page provides links to the laws that have been passed in twenty one states. (Karen Swanson, Information Central)
Current Lien Laws
Comparison chart of commercial broker lien laws, (National Association of REALTORS®, Nov. 18, 2006).
Articles on Commercial Lien Laws
Commercial Lien Law Legal FAQs, (Florida Association of REALTORS®, 2009).
IREM adopts position on commercial broker lien laws, (Journal of Property Management, Jan./Feb. 2007). Q
Commercial Broker Lien Law, (Ohio Association of REALTORS®, 2007).
Law protects brokers' commissions in active real estate market, (Tampa Bay Business Journal, Apr. 21, 2006).
Commercial lien laws, (CCIM Institute, June 2003).
Filing liens can help brokers collect commissions, (Real Estate Weekly, May 21, 2003).
Yes, Virginia, there is a broker's lien law -- but it isn't worth much!, (Virginia State Bar, n.d.).
Lien law helps broker recover commission, (Commercial Real Estate Institute, n.d.).
Books & Other Resources
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
"Commercial real estate broker lien act," (Professional Report, Spring 2000),
"Commercial Broker Lien Act," (Pittsburgh Legal Journal, July 1998),
"Broker lien laws: A growing concern for owners and tenants," (Commercial Leasing Law & Strategy, Oct. 1996).
"Commercial real estate broker lien act," (Commercial Leasing Law & Strategy, Oct. 1996).
"Getting paid commissions: A new power balance between real estate brokers, appraisers, and their clients under the Missouri Commercial Real Estate Broker's & State Certified Real Estate Appraisers' Lien Act," (UMKC Law Review, Summer 1995).
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The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
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