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 New Hampshire, a lien is a legal claim against property to secure payment of a debt or fulfillment of an obligation. One common type of lien is the mechanic's lien, which contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers can file against a property if they have not been paid for labor or materials used in improving the property. To enforce a mechanic's lien in New Hampshire, the claimant must follow specific procedures outlined in state law, including the timely recording of the lien with the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Homeowners' associations (HOAs) may also place liens on properties for unpaid dues or assessments. These liens are typically governed by the association's bylaws and the state's statutes that regulate HOAs. It's important to note that the process for enforcing liens can be complex, and failure to comply with statutory requirements can affect the validity of the lien. Therefore, property owners or those seeking to place a lien on a property may benefit from consulting with an attorney to understand their rights and obligations under New Hampshire law.