When must a subcontractor file a mechanics' lien?

A subcontractor must file a mechanics' lien within 120 days of the last labor performed or the last materials delivered to the project. This timeframe is important as it ensures the subcontractor's right to secure payment for services rendered or materials provided. If the lien is not filed within this period, the subcontractor may lose the ability to enforce a claim against the property they worked on.

The specific 120-day timeframe is designed to give subcontractors adequate time to assess their work and the need to file a lien while also providing a level of certainty to property owners and general contractors about their obligations. By adhering to this timeline, subcontractors can protect their interests and ensure that they have a legal mechanism to pursue payment for their contributions to a construction project.