What is a lien?

• A. A waiver of debt for a delinquent owner.
• B. A legal claim by the association on the property of a delinquent owner to obtain payment.
• C. A maintenance agreement.
• D. A type of insurance policy.

Answer: (B)

A lien is a legal claim against a property that secures payment of money owed. In a community association, when a member falls delinquent on assessments or fines, the association can place a lien on that owner’s property. This encumbers the title and ensures the debt can be collected when the property is sold or refinanced. The lien attaches to the property itself, not just to the person, so it serves as a formal right to recover the amount owed. It’s distinct from a waiver of debt (which would forgive what’s owed), a maintenance agreement (which discusses who is responsible for upkeep), or an insurance policy (which provides coverage for risks, not debt collection).