Which term describes a legally recognized claim against a property?

A lien is a legally recognized claim against a property that serves as security for the payment of a debt or obligation. When a lien is placed on a property, it indicates that a creditor has a legal right to take possession of the property under certain conditions, often due to unpaid debts such as loans, taxes, or services rendered. This claim must be resolved before the property can be sold or transferred free of obligations.

In real estate, a lien can take various forms, including mortgage liens, tax liens, and judgment liens. Each type specifies the nature of the indebtedness and the rights of the lienholder, impacting the owner's ability to freely use or sell the property.

Title refers to the legal right of ownership over a property but does not in itself indicate a claim. Liability generally refers to a person's legal responsibilities or obligations, not a claim against a property. Encumbrance, while related to interests that may affect a property's value or use—such as liens—refers more broadly to claims or limitations affecting the title. In this context, the specific term for a legally recognized claim against the property is a lien.