Construction Liens in South Dakota

Sources

S.D. Codified Laws §§ 44-9-1 et seq.

Authorized Claimants

Whoever shall, at the request of the owner or the duly authorized agent or representative of the owner, or of any contractor or subcontractor, furnish skill, labor, services, including light, power, or water, equipment, or materials for the improvement, development, or operation of property as hereinafter specified, shall have a first lien thereon and the appurtenances thereto…(S.D. Codified Laws 44-9-1)

Lien Priority

Such lien as against the owner of the property shall attach and take effect from the time the first item of material or labor is furnished upon the premises by the lien claimant, and shall be preferred to any mortgage or other encumbrance not then of record, unless the lien holder had actual notice thereof.(S.D. Codified Laws 44-9-7)

Filing Deadlines

The lien shall cease at the end of one hundred twenty days after doing the last of such work, or furnishing the last item of such skill, services, material, or machinery, unless within such period a statement of the claim therefor be filed with the register of deeds of the county in which the improved premises are situated, or of the county to which such county is attached for judicial purposes, or if the claim be under the provisions of subdivision 44-9-1(2), with the secretary of state. (S.D. Codified Laws 44-9-15)

Enforcement Deadlines

No lien may be enforced in any case unless the holder of the lien asserts the lien, either by complaint or answer, within six years after the date of the last item of the lien holder's claim as set forth in the filed and entered lien statement. No person is bound by the judgment in the action unless the person is made a party to the action within the six-year period. (S.D. Codified Laws 44-9-24)

Cross-References

• South Dakota
• Construction Liens