Lien

Full Definition

A judgment lien is a legal interest in real property that a judgment creditor (the tenant who won in court) can attach to any real estate owned by the judgment debtor (the landlord) in the county where the judgment is recorded. Once recorded, the lien clouds the property's title: the landlord cannot sell or refinance the property without first paying off the lien. In most states, a money judgment automatically becomes a lien on any real property the debtor owns in the county where it was rendered (or where it is docketed). The lien remains attached until the judgment is paid and a satisfaction of judgment is recorded. Judgment liens typically last as long as the underlying judgment (often 10 years, renewable). Liens are particularly effective collection tools against landlords who own real estate, because they create unavoidable pressure to pay when the landlord eventually sells or refinances. To record a judgment lien, the tenant typically files a certified copy of the judgment with the county recorder's office.