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.
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.
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- Lien
A monetary claim against property that secures payment of a debt. It can be voluntary, like a mortgage, or involuntary, like a tax or judgment lien.
- Homestead (Texas Creditor Protection)
Texas constitutional protection that shields a primary residence from forced sale by most creditors, subject to urban and rural acreage limits.
- Encumbrance
Any claim, lien, or restriction on a property that affects its title or use, such as a mortgage, easement, lien, or deed restriction.
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.