If you fail to enforce a lien within the time required, what happens to the lien?

When a lien is not enforced within the specified time frame, it is automatically considered void. This means that the legal claim on the property, which was intended to secure payment or performance under a contract, is no longer valid. Time limits for enforcing liens are put in place to ensure timely resolution of disputes and to give property owners assurance that their title will not be clouded indefinitely.

If a creditor fails to act within the designated period, they lose their right to enforce that lien, and the property owner can assume the lienholder will not pursue any further action. This mechanism is essential for maintaining clarity in property ownership and transactional integrity.

The remaining options suggest scenarios that do not align with the legal principles governing liens. A lien becoming active or remaining valid indefinitely would contradict the purpose of setting a limitation period. Similarly, reinstating a lien with a fee does not typically apply, as the failure to enforce generally results in the lien being voided without any reinstatement provision.