N.Y. Lien Law Section 21-A
Vacating lien for a public improvement, by order of court

A lien against the amount due or to become due a contractor from the state or a public corporation, for the construction or demolition of a public improvement, may be vacated and canceled by an order of the supreme court. Before such order shall be granted, a notice shall be served upon the lienor personally or, in such manner as the court may direct. Such notice shall require the lienor to commence an action to enforce the lien within a time specified in the notice, not less than thirty days from the time of service, or show cause at a special term of the supreme court in the judicial district embracing the county wherein the notice of lien is filed, at a time and place specified therein, why the notice of lien should not be vacated and canceled of record. Proof of such service and that the lienor has not commenced the action to foreclose such a lien, as directed in the notice, shall be made by affidavit, at the time of applying for such order.

Source: Section 21-A — Vacating lien for a public improvement, by order of court, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/LIE/21-A (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Feb. 15, 2025).

3
Mechanic’s lien on real property 4
Extent of lien 4‑A
Insurance proceeds liable for demands 5
Liens under contracts for public improvements 6
Liens for labor on railroads 7
Liability for advance payments, collusive mortgages and incumbrances 8
Terms of contract may be demanded 9
Contents of notice of lien 10
Filing of notice of lien 11
Service of copy of notice of lien 11‑A
Notice of completion and acceptance may be demanded 11‑B
Copy of notice of lien to a contractor or subcontractor 11‑C
Copy of notice of lien to a contractor or subcontractor with respect to public improvements liens 12
Notice of lien on account of public improvements 12‑A
Amendment 13
Priority of liens 14
Assignment of lien 15
Assignments of contracts and orders to be filed 16
Assignment of contracts and orders for public improvement to be filed 17
Duration of lien 18
Duration of lien under contract for a public improvement 19
Discharge of lien for private improvement 20
Discharge of lien after notice of lien filed by payment of money into court 21
Discharge of lien for public improvement 21‑A
Vacating lien for a public improvement, by order of court 22
Building loan contract 23
Construction of article 24
Enforcement of mechanic’s lien 25
Priority of liens and assignments under contracts for public improvements 26
Subordination of liens after agreement with owner 28
Lien of certain judgments postponed 29
Subordination of liens to subsequent mortgage 30
Subordination of notices of lis pendens 31
Discharge of liens on sale of real property 32
Certain liens and claims not to be affected 33
Certain sections not to apply to laborers’ liens 34
Waiver of lien 35
Waiver of arbitration 37
Bond to discharge all liens 38
Itemized statement may be required of lienor 39
Lien wilfully exaggerated is void 39‑A
Liability of lienor where lien has been declared void on account of wilful exaggeration 39‑C
Repossession of materials not used
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Accessed:
Feb. 15, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 21-A’s source at nysenate​.gov

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