Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Lien Waiver
I need a lien waiver document that releases any claims or rights to a lien on a property upon receipt of payment for services rendered. The document should be applicable under Swiss law, clearly specify the amount paid, and include a clause confirming that all subcontractors have been paid in full.
What is a Lien Waiver?
A Lien Waiver is a legal document that releases a contractor's or supplier's right to place a lien on a property in exchange for payment. In Swiss construction and property law, these waivers protect property owners from multiple payment claims while ensuring contractors receive their due compensation.
When a contractor signs a lien waiver, they give up their right to file a "Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht" (builder's lien) under Swiss Civil Code Article 837. This matters because it helps keep construction projects running smoothly - contractors get paid promptly, and property owners gain assurance that they won't face unexpected claims on their property later.
When should you use a Lien Waiver?
Use a Lien Waiver when making or receiving payments for construction work in Switzerland, especially at project milestones or completion. This document becomes crucial during progress payments, when subcontractors finish their portion of work, or when releasing final payment to the general contractor.
Construction companies and property owners need Lien Waivers to maintain clear title to property and prevent double payments. For example, when paying a general contractor who has hired subcontractors, getting waivers from all parties protects against future claims under the Swiss Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht. This step becomes particularly important before property sales or refinancing, when clean title documentation is essential.
What are the different types of Lien Waiver?
- Full Lien Waiver: Completely releases all rights to file liens for work completed, typically used at project completion or final payment
- Partial Lien Waiver: Releases lien rights only for specific work or payments received to date, common during progress payments
- Conditional Lien Waiver: Only becomes effective after receiving payment, offering protection for contractors under Swiss law
- Unconditional Lien Waiver: Takes effect immediately upon signing, regardless of payment status - used when payment has already been confirmed
Who should typically use a Lien Waiver?
- Property Owners: Request and collect Lien Waivers to protect against double payment claims and ensure clear property title
- General Contractors: Sign waivers upon receiving payment and obtain them from subcontractors to maintain smooth payment flow
- Subcontractors: Execute waivers when receiving progress or final payments for their portion of work
- Banks and Lenders: Require Lien Waivers before releasing construction loans or refinancing property
- Legal Counsel: Review and validate waivers to ensure compliance with Swiss construction law and protect client interests
How do you write a Lien Waiver?
- Project Details: Gather accurate information about the construction project, including address, scope of work, and contract value
- Payment Information: Document payment amounts, dates, and specify if it's partial or final payment
- Party Information: List all involved parties with full legal names, addresses, and roles in the project
- Contract References: Include relevant contract dates and numbers that link to the original agreement
- Verification Steps: Our platform helps ensure your Lien Waiver includes all mandatory elements under Swiss law, reducing drafting errors
- Signature Requirements: Identify authorized signatories and prepare notarization if required
What should be included in a Lien Waiver?
- Identification Section: Full legal names and addresses of all parties, property location, and project description
- Payment Details: Exact amount received, payment date, and specification of partial or final payment status
- Waiver Scope: Clear description of which lien rights are being waived under Swiss Civil Code Article 837
- Release Language: Explicit statement releasing rights to file Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht claims
- Effective Date: Clear indication of when the waiver becomes legally binding
- Signature Block: Spaces for authorized signatures, dates, and any required witness or notary attestations
- Governing Law: Reference to Swiss law and applicable cantonal regulations
What's the difference between a Lien Waiver and a Liability Waiver?
A Lien Waiver differs significantly from a Liability Waiver in both purpose and legal effect under Swiss law. While both documents involve releasing rights, they serve distinct functions in different contexts.
- Purpose and Scope: Lien Waivers specifically release rights to claim payment through property liens in construction projects, while Liability Waivers release parties from general legal responsibility for potential injuries or damages
- Timing of Effect: Lien Waivers typically take effect upon payment receipt and relate to specific completed work, whereas Liability Waivers usually apply to future potential incidents
- Industry Application: Lien Waivers are primarily used in construction and property development, while Liability Waivers appear across various sectors like sports, events, and recreational activities
- Legal Framework: Lien Waivers operate under Swiss property and construction law (particularly the Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht), while Liability Waivers fall under general civil liability provisions
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.