Leinholder wont release check

My vehicle had all four rims and tires stolen. I filed a claim with the insurance company; they paid the claim and issued a check in my name and the lein holder's name jointly. The lein holder refused to sign the check for me to cash until I replaced the rims and tires myself. Which means I had to pay out of my pocket for the rims and tires and then have them release the check after the fact as a reimbursement. To do this I had to ask my landlord to allow me to be late with my rent for that month. He allowed it but I incurred late charges as a result.

Can the lein holder withhold funds in this manner? If not how long do I have to file a complaint/grievance or law suit?

[judg4]

They should have released it to the repair shop--if they did not you might sue for some direct damages in small claims--but you normally cannot damages for late rent etc.