What is the time limit for recording a mechanics lien after completion of work under California Civil Code?
Correct Answer
D) 90 days
Mechanics liens must be recorded within 90 days of completion of work under California Civil Code Section 8416.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
California Civil Code Section 8416 requires that a mechanics lien be recorded within 90 days after completion of the work of improvement. Missing this deadline extinguishes the lien right, leaving the claimant without this powerful security interest in the property — regardless of how valid the underlying payment claim may be.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 60 days
60 days is not the mechanics lien recording deadline. It is associated with other lien-related timeframes in California, such as the period within which a preliminary notice must be followed up, but not the lien recording cutoff itself.
Option B: 30 days
30 days is too short. This period appears in other construction law contexts (e.g., stop payment notice timelines or prompt payment deadlines) but is not the 90-day recording window for a mechanics lien.
Option C: 120 days
120 days does not apply to mechanics lien recording. Longer timeframes in California lien law generally relate to foreclosing on a recorded lien (typically 90 days after recording), not to the initial act of recording.
Memory Technique
A mechanics lien is your '90-day lifeline' — if you do not record it within 90 days of finishing the job, you lose your security interest. Think of 90 as three 30-day months: finish the job, and you have three full months to get to the recorder's office.
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 B&P Code 7159.5, service and repair contracts must be in writing when the total cost exceeds:
Next Question
A general contractor receives payment from the owner but fails to pay a subcontractor within 10 days. What penalty interest rate applies under California prompt payment law?