What defines a lien?

A lien is fundamentally a legal claim or right against assets that are typically used as collateral to satisfy a debt. It provides a creditor with assurance because it grants them the ability to claim the property if the borrower defaults on their obligations. This means that if an individual or entity fails to meet their debt payment terms, the creditor can use the lien to secure the payment by potentially seizing or selling the property.

The other choices do not accurately describe a lien. The first option refers to a rental agreement, which does not involve a claim against property for debt. The eviction notice pertains specifically to the termination of a lease agreement due to non-payment but does not constitute a lien in itself. Lastly, a restriction on the use of property may suggest a lien-like effect, but it lacks the direct connection to debt satisfaction, which is central to defining a lien. Thus, the essence of a lien is its role as a claim against property to secure debt repayment.