South Carolina Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 90 Days after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in South Carolina, what notice comes first, and the deadline to sue, worked on three dates.
Not legal advice. General information from each state's lien statute, checked Oct 29, 2026, for a contractor hired directly by the owner of an existing home. Dates are calendar arithmetic; some states move a deadline that lands on a weekend or holiday and some don't, and a recorded notice of completion or commencement can change the clock. Before you rely on a date, check with a construction attorney in your state.
The rule in South Carolina
90 days after last work
Serve the homeowner and file a sworn statement of account within 90 days after you last supply labor or materials.
6 months after last work
Sue and file notice of the lawsuit within 6 months after you last supply labor or materials.
No notice needed
None. No early notice applies when the homeowner hired you directly.
No special rule
None Where a license is required, give the filing office proof of your license.
Source: S.C. Code 29-5-15, 29-5-90, 29-5-120 (Official SC Legislature site, 2025 Code of Laws archive, Title 29 Ch. 5)
“within ninety days after he ceases to labor on or furnish labor or materials”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Feb 18, 2027 | May 20, 2027 |
The suit deadline runs from the last day of work, not from when you record. Dates are calendar arithmetic and aren't moved off weekends or holidays.
Also check
- Where a license is required, give the filing office proof of your license.
South Carolina lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in South Carolina?
Serve the homeowner and file a sworn statement of account within 90 days after you last supply labor or materials.
How long does a mechanics lien last in South Carolina?
Sue and file notice of the lawsuit within 6 months after you last supply labor or materials.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in South Carolina?
None. No early notice applies when the homeowner hired you directly.
Compare other states
How we checked
We read each state's mechanics lien statute on the legislature's site, for a contractor hired directly by the homeowner on an existing home. Two independent research passes covered all 50 states and DC, and a third reviewer checked the result. Where a state's own site would not load, the row names the copy we read. Last checked .
This guide explains the general rule. It is not legal advice.