Rowen & Blair Electric Co. v. Flushing Operating Corp.

The issue on appeal is whether a lessee acted as its lessor’s agent in contracting for certain improvements made to the leased premises. The agency theory is advanced by Plaintiff Rowen & Blair Electric Co. which, although contracting directly with the lessee to do electrical work, seeks to impress the lessor’s interest with a mechanic’s lien. The asserted agency relationship is also said to result in direct dealing by the contractor with the owner, so as to excuse the statutory requirements regarding service of the notice of intention to claim a lien, 1 and service of a copy of the recorded…