Liens

A lien is a creditor's legal claim against particular property owned by a debtor as security for a debt. Liens the debtor agrees to, called security interests, include mortgages, home equity loans, car loans, and personal loans for which the debtor pledges property as collateral. Nonconsensual liens are liens placed on property without the debtor's consent, and include tax liens, judgment liens (liens a creditor obtains by suing and getting a court judgment against the debtor), and mechanics' liens (liens filed by a contractor who worked on the debtor's house but didn't get paid). This section describes the various types of property liens and  how to remove them (such as by paying the underlying debt in full). It  primarily focuses on mechanics liens and the state laws that set out rules, notice requirements,  and procedures for contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers to secure payment for their services and materials.