AC guy claim to file Mechanics lien on exaggerated invoice

[Yannes Chiang]

Hi all,

I need help. I am an out of state investor. I have a AC guy (let’s name him Paul here) who worked with me for years in Texas.

Tenants has reported the AC not working. I sent Paul over there in April and August 2021. Both invoices said to refill the Freon. I didn’t pay much attention to the invoice and just paid.

July 2022 the tenant reported the AC problem again and I sent Paul there again and started questioning Paul - what is the problem? It has been on going. Please do a thorough inspection on the AC and find out the true cause.

He said it was due to the failure of the compressor. Luckily it was within warranty so we could be able to get a replacement for free.

One week later, he sent me a bill of $3599.31 stating

1. Make order under warranty compressor $ $60

2. Paperwork charge $35

3. Freon recharge R410 15lbs $125 lbs $1875

4. Replace new cap under warranty $35

5. Replace new condenser motor $120

Subtotal $2125

Labor $1200

Tax : $274.31

Total $ $3599.31

I started to question the bills

1. Freon has been charged three times in 15 months. Why it is $125/lbs?

2. How come there is labor fee this invoice while none before

3. I have never received quotes about this repair. I will never approve this repair if I am aware of the price.

Paul started to threaten me that he will file mechanic lien on my rental property.

I filed an complaint with TACLB but haven’t heard back yet. He kept pushing me and I paid him $1000 only. Now he threaten me again about the balance. I am feeling so bad about all these.

What can I do? Can he truly file a mechanic lien on my property? If yes, can I appeal? What will happen if he file the mechanic lien? How long will it last? Anything I can do to improve the situation?

And a heart advise that no matter how long you have been with the contractor, always be careful about the bills. People will change!

Thank you so much in advance for all your help.

[Nathan Gesner]

I see it all the time. Landlord says, "I've worked with this guy for years and never had a problem . . . " People do the same thing with Property Managers. The fact is, things are going well as long as they are going well. As soon as a difficult / different situation comes along, you'll discover what they are really like.

Freon refill shouldn't cost more than a few hundred dollars. he topped it off twice, then charged you for a full refill at top dollar. That's wrong.

If he filled it once and then you reported it low again, that should have indicated a leak and a professional would have contacted you to provide an estimate for repair or the cost of replacement. Charging you for two top-offs and then for a full refill is unacceptable and I think his price is unreasonable.