Every-one, please, go search your individual State/Provincial laws. Always use a written contract.....A handshake isn't worth the paper it's written on...... I've incorporated the average cost of filing a "builder's lien" (attorney, filing fees, etc.) into the annual over-head for the company. Historically I've experienced that there will be one flaky property manager or hoa that doesn't pay on time, or withholds payment for some strange reason. The recession hit Vancouver in 2011, after our Winter Olympics boom. I have never seen so many accounts go into default. In British Columbia we have a maximum of 45 days from the invoiced date to file a lien for non-payment. (and we cannot charge interest, lien costs or legal fees back to the client. ouch.) Regardless of where you are, if you don't have a written contract you can't file a lien or even go to small claims court. Peace. PS, keep in mind, you will be on the property management companies "merde list" and will probably be blacklisted by them if you have to exercise your legal rights. Ramble over.