Under California Civil Code Section 8000 et seq., what is the deadline for a general contractor to file a mechanics lien on a private work project after completion of the work?
Correct Answer
B) 90 days
A general contractor has 90 days after completion of work to file a mechanics lien on private work projects under Civil Code 8416.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Under Civil Code Section 8412, a direct contractor (general contractor) has 90 days after completion of the work of improvement to record a mechanics lien. If a Notice of Completion or Notice of Cessation is recorded, the deadline is 60 days from that notice — but absent such notice, the standard deadline is 90 days from actual completion.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 120 days
120 days is not a valid lien filing deadline under California mechanics lien law. This number does not correspond to any standard lien deadline and may be confused with other construction law timelines.
Option C: 30 days
30 days is far too short and is not the deadline for a general contractor's lien. Some students confuse this with notice requirements or prompt payment deadlines, but the general contractor's lien window is 90 days.
Option D: 60 days
60 days applies when a Notice of Completion or Notice of Cessation has been recorded by the owner. Without such a recorded notice, the general contractor's deadline is the full 90 days. Students who know only the 60-day rule miss the 90-day default rule.
Memory Technique
Remember: '90 days is the default, 60 if they post.' If the owner records a Notice of Completion, the window shrinks to 60 days. No notice = 90 days. General contractor gets the full 90.
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?
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