Building contractor’s lien

Tradesmen and building contractors have special legal protection available to them under Art. 837 (1) item 3 of the Swiss Civil Code. Insofar as they are not paid for their work on a building, they can establish a building contractor’s lien to secure their claim for work wages. However, the contractor’s lien is not recorded until it is entered in the land register and must be recorded no later than four months after the work has been performed. Claims secured by lien have priority in the event of bankruptcy.