A lien (pronounced lean) is a legal right, claim, or interest in another person’s property that remains until a debt is paid or an obligation is fulfilled. For example, a lien may be placed on real property to secure a contractor’s claim for payment for work or materials provided to improve the property (a mechanic’s lien) or by a homeowners’ association to secure payment for unpaid dues or assessments against an individual homeowner.

There are many different types of liens related to real property and the laws regarding these liens may vary from state to state.

In Maryland, a lien is a legal claim against property to secure payment for a debt or fulfillment of an obligation. One common type of lien is a mechanic's lien, which contractors can use to ensure they are paid for labor or materials provided to improve real property. To place a mechanic's lien on a property, the contractor must follow specific procedures outlined in Maryland law, including filing a Petition to Establish Lien within a certain time frame after the work is completed. Homeowners' associations (HOAs) in Maryland also have the right to place liens on properties within their jurisdiction for unpaid dues or assessments. These liens can be enforced through foreclosure if the homeowner does not pay the outstanding amount. Maryland statutes provide detailed regulations on how liens are to be filed, the time limits for enforcing them, and the priority of liens in case of sale or foreclosure of the property. It is important for property owners and those seeking to place a lien to understand these laws to ensure their rights are protected.