You need a judgement to file a lien but you can file a certificate of Lis pendens without the judgement.
It is a document indivating pending legislation and is registered against the property that you performed the work for.
They are unable to sell their house while it exists without putting up a bond against the potential settlement and you have a certain amount of time to initiate legal proceedings.
It would probably do a great job to scare the occupant and you might be able to get a settlement that way.
Disclaimer that I am not a lawyer and you should probably consult a lawyer about the process.
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