Mechanic's Lien Guide
South Carolina Mechanic's Lien Guide
Lien deadlines, notice requirements, and filing procedures for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in South Carolina.
South Carolina Lien Deadlines
Preliminary Notice
Not required, but you may have more lien rights if you send a Notice of Furnishing.Not required, but if the general contractor files a Notice of Commencement, subcontractors can file and serve the general contractor with a Notice of Furnishing Labor and Materials to better protect their rights.
Mechanic's lien
90 daysMust be filed within 90 days of last work. Enforcement must be initiated within 6 months of lien filing. Mechanic's liens cannot be extended in South Carolina.
Calculate your South Carolina Mechanics Lien Deadline
Your project
DISCLAIMER: These deadlines are pulled from recent lien laws, but you should consult a lien expert or lawyer to understand the deadlines specific to your situation.
South Carolina deadlines
Showing deadlines for a Subcontractor. Deadlines can vary by role.
Enter your project dates on the left to calculate exact deadline dates.
Preliminary Notice
20 days from first furnishing (LienOps prelim); Notice of Furnishing Labor or Materials must be served on owner and GC because the sub is contracted with a party other than the owner
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Mechanics Lien Filing
90 days from last furnishing
Enter project dates to calculate
Enforcement (foreclosure)
6 months from last furnishing
Calculated once you record the lien
Unpaid-balance state: your lien may be limited to the amount the owner still owes the general contractor when notice is received.
South Carolina Lien Guide
Preliminary Notice & Notice of Intent
Preliminary Notice: When a Notice of Commencement is filed by the GC, the subs and suppliers should send a Notice of Furnishing. If this is not sent, you may have less lien rights than if you sent it. Notice of Intent to Lien: Not required, but recommended in South Carolina.
Who Can File a Mechanic's Lien
Contractors, subcontractors, laborers, suppliers, and design professionals are entitled to mechanic's lien rights in South Carolina. An individual who is required to be licensed as a contractor but does not have a valid license is not covered.
Who Gets the Notice
No preliminary notice required; however, it can help secure full lien rights.
Information Required
Information needed to file a mechanic's lien in South Carolina includes: - Project owner’s name - Property description - Labor/materials description - Amount owed - Claimant’s info - Work dates
South Carolina Public Works
In South Carolina, a mechanic's lien on public works projects is not available. South Carolina allows subcontractors and suppliers to file suit on a payment bond. Claimants must provide written notice within 90 days of last providing labor or materials. Suit must be filed within 1 year of last providing labor or materials.
South Carolina Lien Statutes
Official Resources
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