North Carolina Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-7 et seq. — Mechanic's Liens on Real Property
Lien Filing Deadline
You must file your lien within 120 days of the last day of furnishing labor or materials at the project. Miss this deadline and you permanently lose your lien right.
Preliminary Notice Requirement
North Carolina requires a Notice of Claim of Lien upon Funds (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-19) to be served on the property owner (Notice of Claim of Lien upon Funds within 15 days for subs) within 15 days of starting work. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: clerk of superior court in the county where the property is located
- Enforcement deadline: 180 days after filing to commence foreclosure
- Contractor license: Required for lien rights
- Bond alternative: Property owner may bond off the lien
- Small claims limit: $10,000
- Residential note: residential projects have specific lien agent requirements
What Your North Carolina Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from North Carolina's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-7 et seq. cited by section number. The other party sees you know the law.
Deadline Calculation
120 days from your last work date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Notice Compliance
References your compliance with North Carolina's preliminary notice requirements.
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North Carolina Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in North Carolina?
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-7 et seq., you have 120 days from the last day of furnishing labor or materials at the project to file a mechanic's lien. Missing this deadline permanently forfeits your lien right.
Does North Carolina require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. North Carolina requires a Notice of Claim of Lien upon Funds (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-19) to be served on the property owner (Notice of Claim of Lien upon Funds within 15 days for subs) within 15 days. Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, mechanic's liens are filed with the clerk of superior court in the county where the property is located. The lien must be filed within the statutory deadline of 120 days.
How long do I have to enforce a mechanic's lien in North Carolina?
After filing the lien, you have 180 days to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-7 et seq.. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in North Carolina?
Yes. In North Carolina, a property owner can post a surety bond to "bond off" the mechanic's lien from the property. The lien then attaches to the bond instead of the property, allowing the owner to sell or refinance.
Do I need a lawyer to send a lien demand letter in North Carolina?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a North Carolina-specific demand letter citing N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-7 et seq. so the other party knows you understand your rights and the applicable deadlines.
Mechanic's Lien Demand Letters by State
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