South Carolina Mechanic's Lien Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
S.C. Code § 29-5-10 et seq. — Mechanic's Liens
Lien Filing Deadline
You must file your lien within 90 days of the last day of furnishing labor or materials. Miss this deadline and you permanently lose your lien right.
Preliminary Notice Requirement
South Carolina requires a Notice of Project Commencement to be served on the property owner (Notice of Project Commencement required by general contractor). Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Key Facts
- Filing location: register of deeds or clerk of court in the county where the property is located
- Enforcement deadline: 6 months after filing to commence foreclosure
- Contractor license: Required for lien rights
- Bond alternative: Property owner may bond off the lien
- Small claims limit: $7,500
- Residential note: residential improvement contracts require specific notice from general contractor
What Your South Carolina Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from South Carolina's actual mechanic's lien statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
S.C. Code § 29-5-10 et seq. cited by section number. The other party sees you know the law.
Deadline Calculation
90 days from your last work date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Notice Compliance
References your compliance with South Carolina's preliminary notice requirements.
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South Carolina Mechanic's Lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in South Carolina?
Under S.C. Code § 29-5-10 et seq., you have 90 days from the last day of furnishing labor or materials to file a mechanic's lien. Missing this deadline permanently forfeits your lien right.
Does South Carolina require a preliminary notice before filing a lien?
Yes. South Carolina requires a Notice of Project Commencement to be served on the property owner (Notice of Project Commencement required by general contractor). Failure to provide this notice may void your lien right.
Where do I file a mechanic's lien in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, mechanic's liens are filed with the register of deeds or clerk of court in the county where the property is located. The lien must be filed within the statutory deadline of 90 days.
How long do I have to enforce a mechanic's lien in South Carolina?
After filing the lien, you have 6 months to commence a foreclosure action to enforce the lien under S.C. Code § 29-5-10 et seq.. If you don't file suit within that window, the lien expires.
Can a property owner remove a mechanic's lien in South Carolina?
Yes. In South 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 South Carolina?
No. A demand letter is a formal written notice, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a South Carolina-specific demand letter citing S.C. Code § 29-5-10 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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