# Mysterious Certified Mail **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 15, 2012, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620 "2012-08-15T23:00:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2012, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/1 "2012-08-15T23:00:50Z")
Got notice that I have certifiled mail from a local building supply company. To my recollection I have never done business with them (so I hope it isn’t a bill). Seems an expensive way to do marketing. My best guess is that it is the warrantee for my new roof (though they weren’t the ones who installed it, it is possible the shingles came from them) Brian ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2012, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/2 "2012-08-15T23:10:56Z")
In some instances, it is possible to serve process for legal procedings via certified mail. ---
**Author:** ![nu8reed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c2a13f/32.png) [@nu8reed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nu8reed)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2012, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/3 "2012-08-15T23:16:07Z")
When we remodeled our kitchen, we got a certified letter from the cabinet maker. The letter basically said that they could put a lien on the house if we didn’t pay. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2012, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/4 "2012-08-15T23:28:43Z")
> [@nu8reed](#): > > When we remodeled our kitchen, we got a certified letter from the cabinet maker. The letter basically said that they could put a lien on the house if we didn’t pay. That’s not as bad as the siding installers, they resort to putting leans on your house! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2012, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/5 "2012-08-15T23:45:32Z")
> [@nu8reed](#): > > When we remodeled our kitchen, we got a certified letter from the cabinet maker. The letter basically said that they could put a lien on the house if we didn’t pay. I had the same thing from the building supply outfit that my contractor used when I had work done on my house. So if the contractor who did your roof bought their materials from this company, it could be a notice of that kind (it’s mostly a formality, just to protect their rights in case the contractor skips town). Roddy ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/6 "2012-08-16T00:19:37Z")
Or maybe the installers didn’t pay for the materials and you’re being served. ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/7 "2012-08-16T11:12:19Z")
Could someone explain how you are civilly liable if your contractor skips out on paying a supply company? That doesn’t make sense, it would be like being on the hook to a shampoo company because your hairdresser didn’t pay for the shampoo they used to wash your hair. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/8 "2012-08-16T11:30:54Z")
A friend occasionally sends registered letters to deadbeats prior to/as a component of legal action. Many people don’t sign or pick up registered mail, assuming the worst. So he created a DBA called “Prize Distribution Inc” or something along those lines. People are more likely to sign for mail he sends from that return address. /hijack ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/9 "2012-08-16T12:24:25Z")
Maybe the building supply is expanding, and the certified mail is related to a zoning change or something? ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/10 "2012-08-16T12:27:05Z")
My guess: Somebody is planning commercial or retail construction near you that requires a zoning variation. Some local ordinances require that all residents within a certain radius must be notified via certified mail. I’ve received a couple of these kinds of things. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/11 "2012-08-16T16:04:17Z")
> [@grude](#): > > Could someone explain how you are civilly liable if your contractor skips out on paying a supply company? That doesn’t make sense, it would be like being on the hook to a shampoo company because your hairdresser didn’t pay for the shampoo they used to wash your hair. [This wikipedia article](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanic%27s_lien) explains it fairly well. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/12 "2012-08-16T16:05:38Z")
The place is ~10 miles away, I doubt they are expanding into my zoned residential neigherborhood. It is basically saything that they have the right to put a lien on my house if they don’t get paid. I paid the contractor a month ago, but I will definitely contact the contractor to verify they pad the supply company. Brian ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/13 "2012-08-16T16:19:48Z")
> [@grude](#): > > Could someone explain how you are civilly liable if your contractor skips out on paying a supply company? That doesn’t make sense, it would be like being on the hook to a shampoo company because your hairdresser didn’t pay for the shampoo they used to wash your hair. Just how business is done WRT contractors. Because they deal in much larger transactions getting left holding the bag on $100K in materials could be devastating. By having lein rights, it guarentees that a dispute between you and a contractor does not = free materials. Major contractor disputes can drag out for years anyway, by which time that contractor could have shut down, filed for bankruptcy on one company and started a new one. Legal paperwork games in heavy construction are common, finish a job Shut down Drach construction 1 Inc Create Drach construction 2 Inc. When a dispute arises, Drach construction 1 no longer exists, has no money, no assets, no phone number. I know under some circumstances it is possible to go after the owners of now defunct company, but its a lot harder road. ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/14 "2012-08-16T17:20:10Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > [This wikipedia article](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanic%27s_lien) explains it fairly well. These things are a matter of state law. In Virginia, a valid defense is that you’ve paid the general contractor. The person who files the mechanic’s lien also has a limited period of time to enforce the lien otherwise they are barred. You state law may vary greatly. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/15 "2012-08-16T18:16:38Z")
When I built my current home I was sure to get lein releases from all subs and material suppliers. Still have them eight years later. ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2012, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/16 "2012-08-16T20:05:00Z")
> [@drachillix](#): > > Just how business is done WRT contractors. Because they deal in much larger transactions getting left holding the bag on $100K in materials could be devastating. By having lein rights, it guarentees that a dispute between you and a contractor does not = free materials. Major contractor disputes can drag out for years anyway, by which time that contractor could have shut down, filed for bankruptcy on one company and started a new one. > > Legal paperwork games in heavy construction are common, finish a job > Shut down > Drach construction 1 Inc > Create > Drach construction 2 Inc. > > When a dispute arises, Drach construction 1 no longer exists, has no money, no assets, no phone number. I know under some circumstances it is possible to go after the owners of now defunct company, but its a lot harder road. No I was wondering how you can put a mechanic’s lien on a third party that had no contract with you, like you hire a contractor and he stiffs the supply house on the supplies he used I did not know you could be liable. ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2012, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/17 "2012-08-17T00:00:30Z")
> [@grude](#): > > No I was wondering how you can put a mechanic’s lien on a third party that had no contract with you, like you hire a contractor and he stiffs the supply house on the supplies he used I did not know you could be liable. anyone with a financial interest in real property can place a lein under the proper circumstances, your mortgage holder has a lein against your property, your finance company holds a lein against your car. A materials supplier has a significant financial interest in the materials provided to your house project. IANA Contractor, but I believe the rights for suppliers to do so are part of most contractors standard agreements. I will call my dad a little later unless a DoperContractor™ can chime in with the specifics. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2012, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/18 "2012-08-17T03:41:25Z")
\*Sometimes in our lives We all have pain We all have sorrow But if we are wise We know that there’s Always tomorrow Lien on me, when you’re not strong And I’ll be your “friend” I’ll help you (and your lawyers) carry on For it won’t be long Till I’m gonna need Somebody to lien on\* ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2012, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/19 "2012-08-17T03:57:12Z")
> [@drachillix](#): > > anyone with a financial interest in real property can place a lein under the proper circumstances, your mortgage holder has a lein against your property, your finance company holds a lein against your car. A materials supplier has a significant financial interest in the materials provided to your house project. > > IANA Contractor, but I believe the rights for suppliers to do so are part of most contractors standard agreements. I will call my dad a little later unless a DoperContractor™ can chime in with the specifics. I’m not sure but I think in reading further some states have an exemption for homesteads for third party liens. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2012, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620/20 "2012-08-17T13:43:45Z")
We got an out-of-the-blue certified letter a while back. I had to go to the post office to get it, since we weren’t home. All day, I was thinking, “Great, is someone suing us?” Finally got through the line, got the letter, and opened it in the car. It was from the agency that had done the home study for our adoption, letting us know that they had split from their parent company (actually, I believe the parent company basically told them to get stuffed), and that they were currently pursuing their own accreditation, and this wouldn’t affect the adoption at all, and please would we stay with them. A panic letter from them to keep customers, basically. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-certified-mail/631620.md?page=2)