Direct answer
What does lien mean?
A lien is a claim or charge against property that can secure payment or performance.
Exam cue: Classify the lien and determine whether it is voluntary, involuntary, specific or general when the question asks.
What does it look like in a question?
Example
A mortgage creates a lien securing repayment of the loan.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
A lien is an encumbrance, but it does not by itself transfer title.
Related property rights and title terms
DeedA deed is a written instrument used to transfer an interest in real property.EasementAn easement is a nonpossessory right to use another person's land for a stated purpose.EncroachmentAn encroachment is a physical improvement that crosses a property line or intrudes into another protected area.Fee simpleFee simple is the broadest private ownership estate, potentially lasting indefinitely and subject to government powers and private restrictions.FixtureA fixture is an item that began as personal property but is treated as part of the real property because of attachment, adaptation and intent.Joint tenancyJoint tenancy is concurrent ownership that includes a right of survivorship when it is properly created.
Sources used2 references with section locators
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Put the term back into its full subject.
A definition helps with recall. The subject guide shows how the rule interacts with documents, scenarios, calculations and practice questions.