I haven't seen this yet, but a contractor or mechanic lien on property that was worked on? <br>Although this has never happened to me on a landscape job, I have had some bad checks come from my maintenance clients. I would suggest this:<br>1. Talk to this bad check person first. Sometimes it's just a simple mistake. Add any fees and collect this amount. ONLY ACCEPT CASH, CASHIER CHECK, OR MONEY ORDER FOR PAYMENT, unless you know this person take the check again. Be nice, but never be afraid to be firm.<br>2. If you're a licensed contractor in your state, file a lien on the property. This way you will get your money plus any interest. The lien affects the title of the property and can't be sold until the lien has been satisfied.<br>3. Every state that I know of has a "bad check" law. Go to your County District Attorneys office to file a report. In California, this isn't a real option since our D.A's can't even collect deadbeat parent checks. They won't even look at you unless the amount is over our small Claims court limits.<p>In the future, so a bad check doesnt burn you, break your project down into smaller progress payments. For example, a sod and sprinkler job that you bid for $500.<br>Step one, remove any debris or weeds/sod, and collect say about $125. Turn dirt and rough grade; collect second progress payment of $125. Always cash checks immediately so if they bounce you can stop work. Also, give yourself a break. Dont do the work all at once unless you have to.<br>Jean<br><p>----------<br>J-LC Landscaping & Maintenance Gardening<br>C-27 Ca Contr# 770044