This project was affected by the COVID pandemic and we have been waiting for quite some time. Can I file a lien to get paid?
You need to get evidence proving when and why the proejct stopped. The deadline to record a lien will depend on that evidence.
The latest a mechanics lien may be recorded in California is determined by either actual project completion by all trades, a continuous cessation of labor for 60 days, or the recording of a timely notice of completion of notice of cessation. In the case of actual completion or a continuous cessation of labor for 60 days, the deadline to record a lien is 90 days from the date of actual completion or from the last day of the 60-day cessation of labor. (Civil Code §§8180, 8412.) In the case of a notice of completion or notice of cessation the deadline to record a lien is 30 days from the notice for direct contractors and 60 days from the notice for everyone else. (Civil Code §§8182, 8188.)