What is a specific lien?

• A. Construction lien
• B. Mortgage lien
• C. Tax lien
• D. Construction and mortgage

Answer: (D)

A specific lien is a claim that attaches to a particular parcel of property to secure a debt tied to that property. Construction liens arise when someone who supplied labor or materials to the property isn’t paid, and the lien attaches to that same property. Mortgage liens are created when a loan is secured by the property, with the lender’s rights tied to that specific parcel. Because both of these encumbrances attach to the identified property, they illustrate the idea of a specific lien. The option that includes both construction and mortgage reflects two common forms of a specific lien, which is why it’s the best choice. (Tax liens also attach to the property for unpaid taxes, but the pairing of construction and mortgage is the clearest illustration of specific liens.)