Titles & Deeds

Mechanic's and Materialman's Lien

A Texas lien that secures payment to a contractor or supplier for labor or materials furnished to improve real property.

Quick flashcard

What does Mechanic's and Materialman's Lien mean on the Texas real estate exam?

Answer: A Texas lien that secures payment to a contractor or supplier for labor or materials furnished to improve real property.

Read the explanation below, then return to the full flashcard deck and try it again from memory.

Mechanic's and Materialman's Lien definition

A mechanic's and materialman's lien secures payment to a contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier who furnishes labor or materials to improve real property and is not paid. Texas law sets strict notice and filing requirements and deadlines that a claimant must meet to perfect the lien.

Priority generally relates back to the inception of the work or the recorded contract, which can place the lien ahead of later liens. On a homestead, additional constitutional requirements apply, including a written contract signed before work begins and, for a married couple, the signatures of both spouses.

Source basis

Definition checked against the official sources below on .

On the exam

A mechanic's lien secures payment for labor or materials, with priority that can relate back to the start of the work. A homestead adds constitutional contract and signature requirements.

Exam trap

On a homestead, a mechanic's lien is valid only if the strict constitutional requirements are met, including a written contract signed before work begins and, for a married couple, both spouses' signatures.

Tested in

Special Topics (Texas) (5 of 40 Texas State Law)

From definition to recall

See this term inside a real exam question.

Pass Texas gives you Texas-specific practice, diagnostics across the 14 exam areas, Trap Library, Math Coach, offline access, and one $59.99 purchase. No subscription. No copied exam questions.

Try 5 free questions

This definition is Texas real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.