46:8A-20. Liens for labor or materials

(a) Subsequent to recording the master deed as provided in this act, and while the property remains subject to this act, no lien shall arise or be effective against the property. During such period liens or encumbrances shall arise or be created only against each apartment and the percentage of undivided interest in the common elements appurtenant to such apartment, in the same manner and under the same conditions in every respect as liens or encumbrances may arise or be created upon or against any other separate parcel of real property subject to individual ownership; provided that no labor performed or materials furnished with the consent or at the request of a co-owner or his agent or his contractor or subcontractor, shall be the basis for the filing of a lien pursuant to article 10 of chapter 44 of Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes against the apartment or any other property of any other co-owner not expressly consenting to or requesting the same, except that such express consent shall be deemed to be given by the owner of any apartment in the case of emergency repairs thereto. Labor performed or materials furnished for the common elements, if duly authorized by the council of co-owners, the administrator or board of administration or other administration specified by the by-laws, in accordance with this act, the master deed or by-laws, shall be deemed to be performed or furnished with the express consent of each co-owner and shall be the basis for the filing of a lien pursuant to article 10 of chapter 44 of Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes against each of the apartments and shall be subject to the provisions of subparagraph (b) hereunder.

(b) In the event a lien against 2 or more apartments becomes effective, the owners of the separate apartments may remove their apartment and the percentage of undivided interest in the common areas and facilities appurtenant to such apartment from the lien by payment of the fractional or proportional amounts attributable to each of the apartments affected. Such individual payment shall be computed by reference to the percentages appearing in the master deed. Subsequent to any such payment, discharge or other satisfaction the apartment and the percentage of undivided interest in the common elements appurtenant thereto shall thereafter be free and clear of the lien so paid, satisfied or discharged. Such partial payment, satisfaction or discharge shall not prevent the lienor from proceeding to enforce his rights against any apartment and the percentage of undivided interest in the common elements appurtenant thereto not so paid, satisfied or discharged.

L.1963, c. 168, s. 20.