A homeowner discovers defective work 18 months after a contractor completed a kitchen remodel. Under California Civil Code, what is the statute of limitations for filing a mechanics lien for this work?
Correct Answer
A) The lien deadline passed 15 months ago
Mechanics liens must be recorded within 90 days of completion of work. After 18 months, the deadline passed 15 months ago (18-3=15).
Why This Is the Correct Answer
A mechanics lien must be recorded within 90 days of completion of work (or 60 days after a notice of completion is filed). At 18 months post-completion, the lien deadline expired roughly 15 months ago (18 months minus the 3-month / 90-day window = 15 months ago). The lien remedy is completely time-barred.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: The lien deadline passed 3 months ago
The lien deadline did not pass just 3 months ago. At 18 months post-completion, the 90-day lien window closed 15 months ago, not 3 months ago. This answer misapplies the timeline.
Option C: The lien deadline passed 6 months ago
The lien deadline did not pass 6 months ago. Some students confuse the 90-day lien recording deadline with a 6-month window (which does not exist for mechanics liens in this context). The math is 18 months minus 3 months = 15 months ago.
Option D: The lien deadline has not passed
The lien deadline has definitively passed. At 18 months, the homeowner is well beyond the 90-day mechanics lien window. Defective workmanship may still be pursued through other legal theories (e.g., breach of contract, negligence), but not via a mechanics lien.
Memory Technique
Mechanics lien = 90 days from completion (not from discovery). Think '90 days to preserve your pay.' After that window, no lien — only other lawsuit theories remain.
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
A swimming pool contractor enters into a $45,000 contract to build an in-ground pool. The contract includes a binding arbitration clause. Under California law, what must the contractor do regarding this arbitration clause?
Next Question
Which scenario would allow a contractor to collect more than the standard down payment limits under B&P Code 7159?