2A:44A-18. Calculation of proportionate share under residential construction

2A:44A-18. Calculation of proportionate share under residential construction
18. This section shall solely apply to work, services, material or equipment furnished under a residential construction contract. If a lien attaches to an interest in real property, the lien claimant shall release a proportionate share of the interest in real property from the lien upon receipt of payment for that proportionate share. This proportionate share shall be calculated in the following manner:

a. If there is a contract between the lien claimant and the owner which provides for an allocation by lot or tract, that allocation of the proportionate share shall be binding upon the lien claimant.

b. If the work performed by the lien claimant was for a condominium in which a master deed is filed before the lien attaches, or for work performed for a cooperative in which a master declaration is filed before the lien attaches, then the proportionate share shall be allocated in an amount equal to the percentage of common elements attributable to each unit.

c. If subsection a. or b. of this section does not apply, then the lien shall not be released as to any portion of the interest in real property unless the lien claimant and the owner otherwise agree in a writing signed by both parties.

d. If a lien claimant receives payment of its proportionate share but refuses to discharge its lien claim, then upon application to a court having jurisdiction thereof, the court shall order the discharge of the lien claim to the extent of that proportionate share. The lien claimant shall be further subject to the provisions of section 30 of this act , and any amounts to be paid shall be paid from the amount due the claimant.