South Carolina · S.C. Code ch. 29-5South Carolina mechanic's lien deadlines: 90 days to serve and file, six months to sue

In South Carolina a person owed for labor or materials used in building, altering or repairing a structure under an agreement with, or with the consent of, the owner has a lien on the structure and the owner's interest in the lot (S.C. Code §29-5-10(a)), and every laborer, mechanic, subcontractor or supplier for an improvement the owner authorized has a lien subject to existing liens of which it had notice (§29-5-20(A)). The lien is dissolved unless, within ninety days after the claimant stops furnishing labor or materials, it serves the owner – or the person in possession if the owner cannot be found – and files with the register of deeds or clerk of court of the county a sworn statement of the amount due with a description of the property and the owner's name (§29-5-90). It is also dissolved unless suit to enforce it is commenced and a notice of pendency filed within six months after the last work (§29-5-120(A)). After six months without suit or notice of pendency, the lien and any bond may be released by court order or by a written attorney's affidavit in the form the local office approves (§29-5-120(B)).