A lien is used to make a legal claim against a property when a contractor hasn’t been paid by the homeowner, or when a subcontractor or supplier hasn’t been paid by the general contractor.
The most common scenario is when a contractor completes a remodeling or other construction project, but doesn’t get payment from the property owner. Getting a lien placed against the property provides a means for contractors to get the money they’re owed through the sale of the house.