What is a lien?

Question

What is a lien?

Accepted Answer

None of the provided sources contains a general definition of the term "lien," so I cannot define it for you from these materials. What the sources do show is how Arizona law uses liens in specific contexts, which illustrates the concept:

- A lien is a claim against property that secures payment of a debt or obligation. For example, a person who furnishes labor, professional services, or materials in the construction, alteration, or repair of a building or other improvement has a lien on that building, structure, or improvement for the work done or items furnished .
- A recorded judgment for the payment of money becomes a lien on the judgment debtor's real property in the county where it is recorded .
- A worker who repairs or cleans an article, implement, utensil, or vehicle (other than a motor vehicle) has a lien on it for the labor or materials and may keep possession of it until the amount due is fully paid .
- Unpaid state taxes, interest, or penalties constitute a lien on all property and rights to property belonging to the taxpayer, whether real or personal , and unpaid motor fuel taxes similarly become a lien on the taxpayer's property from the date the amount became due .
- In a title IV-D child support case, an order to pay support creates a lien by operation of law on all property presently owned and later acquired by the obligor to secure payment of the obligation .
- For non-residential leases, a landlord has a lien on a tenant's non-exempt property placed on or used on the leased premises until the rent is paid , and a self-service storage facility operator has a possessory lien on stored personal property from the date rent is unpaid and due .

Because the sources do not define "lien" as a general legal term, I can only describe it through these statutory examples; for a broader definition or advice about a specific lien situation, please consult a licensed Arizona attorney.