When must a lien foreclosure petition be filed?

A lien foreclosure petition must be filed within six months of the last time labor or materials were provided for a project. This timeframe is established to protect the rights of contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers by ensuring that they can assert their claims for payment within a reasonable period after their contribution to the project has ended.

Filing within these six months allows the claimant to secure their legal rights and pursue payment effectively. If the petition is filed after this period, the right to enforce the lien may be lost, leaving the claimant without recourse for unpaid labor or materials.

The other options present different timelines, but they do not align with the legal requirements set forth in South Carolina law regarding the timely filing of lien foreclosures. For instance, while immediate filing after completion may seem proactive, the law provides a defined window specifically to ensure claims are made when they are relevant and maintain the integrity of the process.