A mechanic's lien is a security interest in property for the protection of those who have supplied labor or materials that improve the property. A mechanic's lien is a legal remedy that secures payment for labor performed or materials furnished.
Mechanic's liens can be used to ensure payment of debts related to real property (such as land or real estate) and personal property (such as an automobile or equipment). A mechanic's lien can go by different names, such as construction lien (for constructing real property), materialman's lien (for those supplying materials), laborer's lien (for those supplying labor), design professional's lien (for architects or designers), or artisan's lien (for liens against personal property).
The right to file a mechanic's lien is granted by state law. Therefore, requirements for establishing, filing, and enforcing claims vary from state to state.
