Mechanic's lien
nounAlso called construction lien · contractor's lien · materialman's lien
A mechanic's lien is a claim registered against a property by someone who worked on it and says they were not paid.
In plain words
“Mechanic” is an old word for anyone who works with their hands — it has nothing to do with cars.
It attaches to the property rather than to a person, which is why it surfaces at a sale or a refinance.
Where you'll see it
In contractor disputes, usually raised once payment has stalled.
When a property is being sold or refinanced, where a title search brings it up.
Why it gets confused
Homeowners and trades both misjudge who can file one and when.
Those rules vary, so neither side's assumption settles anything — what is written down does the work.
If this term is in play, this is what your record needs
- 01The quote or contract, and any agreed variations.
- 02What was paid, when, and how.
- 03What was actually completed, with dated photographs.
- 04Every request for payment or for completion, and what came back.
Not what to argue — what to have written down.