What is a Lien?

A lien is defined as a legal claim or right against a property that is typically used to secure the payment of a debt or obligation. In this sense, it represents a creditor's interest in the property, allowing them to take possession or control if the debtor fails to fulfill their financial commitments. When a lien is placed on a property, the property cannot be sold or transferred without satisfying the debt first, as the lienholder has a legal stake in it.

This understanding of a lien highlights its function as a mechanism to ensure that debts are repaid, making choice B the most accurate answer. A lien is fundamentally about the relationship between property and the financial obligations tied to it, distinguishing it from the other options, which refer to different legal concepts. Property taxes, easements, and encroachments all involve unique legal attributes but do not encapsulate the essence of a lien as a claim for unpaid debts.