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Lien Law

Lien

In Plain English

A legal claim against property that someone uses to force payment for work or materials.

Definition

A lien is a legal right or claim against property as security for the payment of a debt or obligation. In construction, liens arise by statute and allow contractors and suppliers to encumber the property they improved when payment is not received. A lien must be perfected through specific filing and notice procedures and can ultimately be enforced through a foreclosure action that forces the sale of the property to satisfy the debt.

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