North Carolina's mechanic's lien must be filed within:
Audio Lesson
Duration: 2:56
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
60 days
60 days is too short a timeframe for North Carolina's mechanic's lien filing requirements. This option might confuse students with states that have shorter deadlines or with other statutory time periods in real estate transactions like certain notice requirements.
90 days
90 days is incorrect for North Carolina mechanic's liens. While some states do use 90 days as their deadline, North Carolina specifically mandates 120 days, making this option a common distractor for those familiar with other states' laws.
120 days
6 months
6 months is too long for North Carolina's mechanic's lien filing requirement. While some states do have longer deadlines, North Carolina's 120-day period is significantly shorter, and 6 months might be confused with other statutory periods like redemption periods after foreclosure.
Why is this correct?
In North Carolina, NCGS § 44-4 specifically requires that a mechanic's lien must be filed within 120 days after the last day of work or furnishing materials. This statutory deadline is strict and cannot be extended, making 120 days the correct timeframe for filing.
Deep Analysis
AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept
Mechanic's liens are crucial in real estate transactions because they protect contractors and suppliers who improve property but don't get paid. This question tests knowledge of North Carolina's specific timeline for filing these liens, which is essential for professionals working with construction projects or property improvements. The core concept involves understanding that mechanic's liens create a security interest in the property itself, giving claimants rights against the property rather than just against the property owner. To arrive at the correct answer, one must recognize that North Carolina has established a specific 120-day deadline that begins after the last day of work or materials delivery. This timeframe is shorter than in some states but longer than others, making it important to know state-specific requirements. The question is challenging because it requires memorizing a specific statutory timeframe rather than applying general principles, and because other states have different deadlines, which can create confusion. This connects to broader real estate knowledge regarding priority of liens, property rights, and the importance of proper documentation in construction transactions.
Knowledge Background
Essential context and foundational knowledge
Mechanic's liens are statutory liens that arise when contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers provide labor or materials that improve real property but don't receive payment. These liens give claimants a security interest in the improved property. North Carolina's mechanic's lien law, found in Chapter 44 of the General Statutes, establishes this specific 120-day deadline to balance the rights of property owners who expect their property to be free of such claims after a project is completed. The timeline begins after the last day of work or materials delivery, not after payment is due or becomes delinquent. This deadline creates urgency for claimants to file properly while giving property owners a reasonable timeframe to address payment issues before facing a potential lien on their property.
Imagine a calendar with a 120-day countdown timer starting after the last day of construction. Picture the timer turning red as it approaches zero, with a warning symbol that says 'FILE LIEN NOW'.
When encountering mechanic's lien questions, visualize this countdown timer to remember the 120-day deadline for North Carolina.
For mechanic's lien questions, always check the state-specific deadline. North Carolina's 120-day period is longer than some states but shorter than others. Remember it starts after last work/materials, not when payment is due.
Real World Application
How this concept applies in actual real estate practice
Sarah, a real estate agent, is listing a residential property that has several unfinished construction projects from the previous owners. During her due diligence, she discovers that the general contractor filed a mechanic's lien against the property six months after completing work. The seller disputes the lien, claiming it was filed too late. Sarah recognizes that in North Carolina, mechanic's liens must be filed within 120 days of the last day of work, making this lien invalid. This knowledge helps her advise the seller properly and structure the transaction to address the potential cloud on title created by the invalid lien.
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