In the context of property law, what does a 'lien' specifically secure?

A lien is a legal claim or right against a property that secures the payment or performance of a debt or obligation. This means that if the debt is not paid or the obligation is not fulfilled, the lien gives the creditor the right to take possession of the property to satisfy the debt. For instance, if a homeowner fails to pay their property taxes, the government may place a lien on the home, allowing them to potentially force a sale to recover the owed taxes.

In contrast, ownership rights pertain to the legal rights a person has over a property, which is not the same as a lien. The transfer of property title involves changing the ownership of the property but does not inherently involve a security interest like a lien does. Similarly, while lease agreements ensure compliance from both tenants and landlords regarding their respective obligations, they do not create a lien; instead, they establish contractual relationships without the same direct security interest in the property itself.

Thus, the concept of a lien is specifically tied to its role in securing debts or obligations, making it critical for individuals and businesses to understand its implications within property law.