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 Connecticut (CT), 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, subcontractors, or material suppliers can file against real property when they have not been paid for labor or materials used in improving the property. To enforce a mechanic's lien in CT, the claimant must follow specific procedures, including serving a written notice and filing a certificate of lien with the town clerk within 90 days of the last provision of work or materials. Homeowners' associations (HOAs) can also place liens on properties for unpaid dues or assessments. These liens are typically governed by the association's bylaws and the state's Common Interest Ownership Act. The process for enforcing an HOA lien usually involves recording a claim with the local land records office. It's important to note that the priority of liens and the specific procedures for enforcing them can be complex and may depend on various factors, including the type of lien and the timing of its recording. Property owners facing a lien or parties seeking to enforce a lien may benefit from consulting with an attorney to navigate the legal requirements.