A Lien On Your House
G.S. 44A-12 — a claim of lien within 120 days, and 180 days to sue
In North Carolina, a person who performs labor, professional design or surveying services, or furnishes materials or rental equipment under a contract with the owner to improve real property may file a claim of lien on it.
| The step | The statute's answer |
|---|---|
| The stepFiling the claim of lien | The statute's answerAfter the debt is due and not later than 120 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials at the site, with the clerk of superior court in each county where the property is |
| The stepSuing to enforce it | The statute's answerNo later than 180 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials at the site |
Whether a particular lien is valid, and how to contest or discharge one, are questions for a licensed North Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- G.S. 44A-12 — Filing claim of lien on real property
- G.S. 44A-8 — Mechanics', laborers', and materialmen's lien; persons entitled to claim of lien on real property
- G.S. 44A-13 — Action to enforce claim of lien on real property
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.