(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, if the owner of a new structure files the complaint, the board must receive the complaint no later than the earlier of:

(a) One year after the date the structure was first occupied; or

(b) Two years after substantial completion of the structure by the contractor filed against.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, if the owner of an existing structure files the complaint, the board must receive the complaint no later than one year after the date the work was substantially completed by the contractor filed against.

(3) Regardless of whether the complaint involves a new or an existing structure, if the owner of the structure files the complaint and the licensed contractor failed to begin the work, the board must receive the complaint no later than one year after the date the parties entered into the contract.

(4) Regardless of whether the complaint involves a new or an existing structure, if the owner of the structure files the complaint and the licensed contractor failed to substantially complete the work, the board must receive the complaint no later than one year after the date the contractor ceased to work on the structure.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in this section, if a licensed contractor files the complaint against the licensed contractor performing work as a subcontractor on a new structure, the board must receive the complaint no later than the earlier of:

(a) Fourteen months after the date the structure was first occupied; or

(b) Two years after substantial completion of the structure.

(6) Except as otherwise provided in this section, if a licensed contractor files the complaint against the licensed contractor performing work as a subcontractor on an existing structure, the board must receive the complaint no later than 14 months after the date the work on the structure was substantially completed.

(7) If a licensed contractor files the complaint against the licensed contractor performing work as a subcontractor on a structure and the subcontractor failed to substantially complete the work, the board must receive the complaint no later than 14 months after the date the subcontractor ceased to work on the structure.

(8) If the licensed contractor’s employee, subcontractor or material or equipment supplier files the complaint, the board must receive the complaint no later than one year after the date the contractor incurred the indebtedness.

(9) The filing of a complaint with the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries for unpaid wages constitutes the filing of a complaint for purposes of establishing timeliness of the filing of a complaint under this section. [2001 c.197 §2 and 2001 c.414 §2; 2007 c.793 §13; 2019 c.444 §7]