mechanic's lien
Unpaid labor claim
A mechanic's lien is a legal claim against property by someone who performed work or supplied materials but wasn't paid.
Despite the name, it applies broadly—contractors, electricians, plumbers, and suppliers can all file one.
The lien attaches to the property itself, not the person who owes money, making it a powerful tool for collecting payment: The roofer filed a mechanic's lien when the homeowner refused to pay.
- subcontractorHired by the hirer
- lienholderOne holding security interest
- supplierSource of goods
- building materialsSubstances for erecting structures
- labor costsPayment for work performed
unpaid bills · general contractor · escrow account · settlement agreement · foreclosure · encumbrance · breach of contract · perfection · real property · legal fees · legal remedy · payment schedule · mediation · financial guarantee · project timeline · credit terms · arbitration · property appraisal
mechanic's lienmortgage
Secured home loan
deed of trust · unsecured debt · personal guarantee · promissory note · home equity loan
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