Mechanics Lien
A legal claim against a property by a contractor or supplier who has not been paid for work performed or materials supplied.
A Mechanics' Lien (also called a construction lien or materialman's lien) is a security interest in real property granted by statute to contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who have furnished labor or materials for construction improvements but have not been paid.
Filing a mechanics' lien gives the claimant a legal right to force the sale of the property to satisfy the debt. This is why general contractors must carefully manage lien waivers throughout the project — each payment should be accompanied by corresponding waivers to clear potential lien rights.