South Carolina Mechanics Lien — Deadlines and Filing Guide
South Carolina mechanics lien law under S.C. Code Ann. §§ 29-5-10 through 29-5-430 gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers lien rights for unpaid construction work. The deadline to file a South Carolina mechanics lien is 90 days from last furnishing. No preliminary notice is required. Liens are filed with the Clerk of Court. Enforcement must begin within 6 months of filing.
South Carolina Mechanics Lien Deadlines
South Carolina mechanics lien deadlines give all claimants 90 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to file a lien with the Clerk of Court in the county where the property is located under S.C. Code Ann. § 29-5-90. South Carolina does not require a preliminary notice before filing. The enforcement deadline is 6 months from the date the lien is filed — a relatively short enforcement window.
How to File a Mechanics Lien in South Carolina
South Carolina mechanics liens are filed with the Clerk of Court — not a county recorder — in the county where the project property is located. South Carolina has 46 counties. Major South Carolina construction markets include Richland County (Columbia), Charleston County (Charleston), Greenville County (Greenville), Spartanburg County (Spartanburg), and Horry County (Myrtle Beach). Use the Mechanics Lien Management State System to calculate your exact South Carolina filing deadline.
South Carolina Mechanics Lien Enforcement
South Carolina mechanics liens must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 6 months of the lien filing date under S.C. Code Ann. § 29-5-120. South Carolina's 6-month enforcement window is one of the shorter enforcement periods in the country. Track the enforcement deadline from the lien filing date and use Mechanics Lien Management to monitor both the 90-day filing window and the 6-month enforcement window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is 90 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials under S.C. Code Ann. § 29-5-90.
Does South Carolina require a preliminary notice?
No. South Carolina does not require a preliminary notice before filing a mechanics lien.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in South Carolina?
South Carolina mechanics liens are filed with the Clerk of Court in the county where the property is located. South Carolina has 46 counties.
How long does a South Carolina mechanics lien last?
After filing, a South Carolina mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 6 months of the filing date under S.C. Code Ann. § 29-5-120.