Chapter 15 of 196% of exam
South Carolina Lien Law
South Carolina's mechanic's lien law sets two strict deadlines that a contractor must not miss. This chapter covers the time to file the lien and the time to enforce it.
Filing the lien
South Carolina's mechanic's lien law is in S.C. Code Chapter 29-5. A contractor or supplier must serve and file the statement of the lien within 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials to the project (§29-5-90). Missing the 90-day window generally forfeits the lien.
Enforcing the lien
After the lien is filed, a suit to enforce (foreclose) it must be commenced within six months of the last furnishing of labor or materials (§29-5-120). If suit is not filed in time, the lien dissolves and the claimant is left with ordinary contract remedies.