How many days does a subcontractor have to file a lien after a Notice of Cessation is recorded?

How many days does a subcontractor have to file a lien after a Notice of Cessation is recorded?

• A. 15 days
• B. 30 days
• C. 45 days
• D. 60 days

Answer: (B)

When a project is halted and a Notice of Cessation is recorded, the subcontractor’s deadline to file a mechanics lien shortens to 30 days from the date the notice is recorded. This notice signals that no further work is expected and triggers a limited window to preserve lien rights. If the lien isn’t filed within those 30 days, the subcontractor may lose the ability to enforce a lien on that project. In contrast, the general lien period after work is completed is longer, but the cessation notice specifically creates this 30-day countdown.

When a project is halted and a Notice of Cessation is recorded, the subcontractor’s deadline to file a mechanics lien shortens to 30 days from the date the notice is recorded. This notice signals that no further work is expected and triggers a limited window to preserve lien rights. If the lien isn’t filed within those 30 days, the subcontractor may lose the ability to enforce a lien on that project. In contrast, the general lien period after work is completed is longer, but the cessation notice specifically creates this 30-day countdown.