Lien

A legal claim against a property securing a debt or obligation.

Liens follow the property, not the owner. If you buy a property with an unpaid lien, you inherit responsibility for it (or your title insurance pays — that's part of what title insurance covers). Common liens: mortgage liens (the bank's claim until you pay off the loan), mechanic's liens (unpaid contractors), tax liens (unpaid property tax or income tax), HOA liens (unpaid dues), and judgment liens (a court ruling against the seller). A clear title means no outstanding liens. Always order a title search and buy title insurance.