A contractor completes $8,500 in electrical work on March 15th. On what date does the contractor's right to file a mechanics lien expire if no payment is received?
Correct Answer
A) June 13th (90 days)
Under California Civil Code, contractors have 90 days from completion of work to file a mechanics lien.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Under California Civil Code Section 8412, a direct contractor must record a mechanics lien within 90 days after completion of the work of improvement. Counting 90 days from March 15 lands on June 13. This is a hard deadline — missing it extinguishes the lien right entirely.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: September 13th (180 days)
180 days (September 13) is not the correct deadline for a direct contractor's mechanics lien. Some preliminary notice or other construction-related deadlines run longer, but the lien itself must be filed within 90 days of completion.
Option C: May 14th (60 days)
60 days (May 14) is the deadline that applies to subcontractors and material suppliers under certain conditions, not to a direct contractor who has completed work. Mixing up the 60-day and 90-day windows is one of the most common errors on lien questions.
Option D: July 14th (120 days)
120 days (July 14) does not correspond to any standard mechanics lien deadline under California law. It may be confused with other notice or claim periods in construction law, but it is not the correct figure here.
Memory Technique
90 days = 3 months. 'March 15 + 3 months = June 15, minus 2 = June 13.' Or just remember: direct contractor = 90 days from completion. Sub/supplier = 60 days from completion.
More California Questions
A homeowner signs a $15,000 home improvement contract on Monday at 2 PM at the contractor's office. Under California law, what is the latest time the homeowner can cancel the contract without penalty?
A swimming pool contract for $28,000 is signed on Wednesday at the customer's home. The contract includes proper cancellation notices. If the customer wants to cancel, they must do so by when?
Under California's prompt payment law, if a contractor submits a proper payment request to a property owner, payment is due within how many days?
A general contractor hires a subcontractor for $22,000. The general contractor receives payment from the owner but fails to pay the subcontractor within how many days, subjecting themselves to penalty interest?
Under California Civil Code Section 8180, when must a subcontractor serve a preliminary notice on a private work project?
Which of the following contracts is NOT subject to the 3-day right to cancel under California law?
A subcontractor completes roofing work on Tuesday, March 15th. The general contractor is paid by the owner on Friday, March 25th. Under California prompt payment laws, what is the latest date the general contractor must pay the subcontractor?
A contractor receives a progress payment of $18,000 from a property owner on Monday. The contractor owes subcontractors $12,000 of this amount. By what day must the contractor pay the subcontractors?
A swimming pool contractor enters into a $45,000 contract to install an in-ground pool. The contract includes a $5,000 down payment. What is the maximum down payment the contractor can legally collect under California law?
A contractor completes $15,000 worth of electrical work on a commercial building. The property owner disputes $3,000 of the charges. Under California prompt payment law, what amount must the owner pay within the required timeframe to avoid penalties?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
Under California Civil Code Section 8182, which parties are entitled to receive a preliminary notice on a private work project?
Next Question
A homeowner signs a contract on Friday for emergency roof repairs due to storm damage. The work must begin immediately to prevent further damage. When does the 3-day cancellation period begin?