(a) In all cases in which a lien shall be filed under the provisions of this subchapter by any person other than a contractor, it shall be the duty of the contractor to defend at his or her own expense any action brought thereupon. During the pendency of the action, the owner may withhold from the contractor the amount of money for which the lien shall be filed.
(b)
(1) In case of judgment against the owner or his or her property upon the lien, the owner shall be entitled to deduct from any amount due by him or her to the contractor the amount of the judgment and costs.
(2) If the owner shall have settled with the contractor in full, he or she shall be entitled to recover back from the contractor any amount so paid by the owner for which the contractor was originally liable.
Structure Arkansas Code
Subtitle 4 - Mortgages And Liens
Chapter 44 - Mechanics' and Materialmen's Liens
Subchapter 1 - General Provisions
§ 18-44-101. Liens on buildings, land, or boats
§ 18-44-102. Entire land subject to lien
§ 18-44-103. Improvements on leased land
§ 18-44-104. Liens for drain pipe or tile
§ 18-44-107. Subcontractors — Definitions
§ 18-44-108. Refusal to list parties doing work or furnishing materials
§ 18-44-109. Unlawful to use materials other than as designated
§ 18-44-110. Preference over prior liens — Exception
§ 18-44-113. Assignment of liens
§ 18-44-114. Notice and service generally
§ 18-44-115. Notice to owner by contractor — Definitions
§ 18-44-116. Service on nonresident or absconder
§ 18-44-118. Filing of bond in contest of lien
§ 18-44-119. Limitation of actions
§ 18-44-122. Contents of complaint
§ 18-44-124. Contractor to defend actions on liens by third persons — Liability
§ 18-44-126. Warning order for nonresident or absconding owners
§ 18-44-127. Trial and judgment
§ 18-44-131. Duty to enter satisfaction
§ 18-44-132. Penalty for failure to discharge lien after payment