Under Civil Code Section 8000-9566, what is the deadline for a subcontractor to record a mechanics lien after completing work on a residential project?
Correct Answer
D) 90 days
Under California mechanics lien law, subcontractors have 90 days from completion of work to record a mechanics lien on residential projects.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option D is correct. Under California Civil Code Section 8412, subcontractors (claimants other than direct contractors) have 90 days from the date of completion of the entire project — or from the recording of a notice of completion or cessation — to record a mechanics lien. This 90-day window applies to subcontractors and material suppliers on all project types, including residential.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 60 days
Option A (60 days) is the deadline that applies when the owner records a notice of completion or notice of cessation. In that scenario, subcontractors and material suppliers have only 60 days from the recording of that notice to file their lien. Without a notice of completion, the longer 90-day period applies.
Option B: 30 days
Option B (30 days) is not a standard mechanics lien recording deadline in California. Thirty days is too short and does not appear in Civil Code Sections 8400–8416 for lien recording purposes. It may be confused with other construction notice deadlines.
Option C: 120 days
Option C (120 days) is a distractor that exceeds the allowed window. While 120 days appears in some mechanics lien discussions (and in one interpretation for direct contractors when no notice of completion is filed), it is not the deadline for subcontractors recording liens.
Memory Technique
For subcontractors: '90 days, no notice = 90; notice filed = 60.' Think of it as: the owner can 'speed up the clock' by recording a notice of completion, cutting subcontractors' time from 90 to 60 days. Without that notice, subcontractors get the full 90. Remember: 90 > 60 — more time when no notice, less time when owner acts.
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 homeowner signs a $15,000 home improvement contract on Monday at 2 PM in their home. Under California law, what is the latest day and time they can cancel the contract without penalty?
Next Question
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 day and time the homeowner can cancel the contract without penalty?