Code of Alabama - Title 35: Property - Section 35-8-16 - Liens against condominium property generally

Section 35-8-16 - Liens against condominium property generally.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 35-8-18, subsequent to recording the declaration as provided in this chapter and while the property remains subject to this chapter, no lien shall arise or be effective against the condominium property as a whole. During such period, liens or encumbrances shall arise or be created only against each unit in the same manner and under the same conditions in every respect as liens or encumbrances may arise or be created upon or against any other separate parcel of real property subject to individual ownership; provided, that no labor performed or materials furnished with the consent or at the request of a unit owner or his agent, his contractor or subcontractor shall be the basis for the filing of a lien against the unit or any other property of any other unit owner not expressly consenting to or requesting the same, except that such express consent shall be deemed to be given by the owner of any unit in the case of emergency repairs thereto. Labor performed or materials furnished for the common elements and limited common elements, if duly authorized by the association in accordance with this chapter, the declaration, or bylaws, shall be deemed to be performed or furnished with the express consent of each unit owner benefited by such labor or materials and shall be the basis for the filing of a lien pursuant to the lien laws against each of the units so benefited and shall be subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.

(b) In the event a lien against two or more units becomes effective, the owner of each separate unit may remove his unit from the lien and obtain a discharge and satisfaction by payment of the proportion thereof attributable to such unit. The proportion so attributable to each unit subject to the lien shall be the proportion in which all units subject to the lien share among themselves in liability for common expenses or limited common expenses as appropriate. Subsequent to any such payment, the lien on such unit shall be discharged or otherwise satisfied of record, and the unit shall thereafter be free and clear of such lien. Such partial payment discharge and satisfaction shall not prevent the lienor from proceeding to enforce his rights against any other unit not so paid, satisfied, or discharged.

(Acts 1964, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 206, p. 266, §9; Acts 1973, No. 1059, p. 1732, §16.)

Last modified: May 3, 2021