What is a legal claim against a property due to unpaid debts called?

A legal claim against a property due to unpaid debts is known as a lien. This financial encumbrance grants the creditor the right to take possession of the property if the debt is not satisfied. Liens can be placed on real estate for various reasons, such as unpaid taxes, contractor services, or mortgages, allowing creditors to secure their interests against the property's value.

In contrast, a mortgage specifically relates to the loan used to purchase the property and is a type of lien itself. An encumbrance is a broader term that includes any instance where another party has a legal right to the property, but it does not specifically focus on debts. A lease is a contract granting use of the property from one party to another, which does not pertain directly to unpaid debts. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why lien is the appropriate term for a legal claim related to unpaid debts on a property.