What is the term for a legal claim against a property owner's title due to unpaid work or materials?

The term for a legal claim against a property owner's title due to unpaid work or materials is known as a mechanic's lien. This type of lien serves as a security interest in the property, providing protection to contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who have not been paid for the work or materials they have provided in relation to construction or improvement projects.

When a contractor or subcontractor files a mechanic's lien, it effectively encumbers the property until the debt is settled, meaning that the property cannot be sold or refinanced without addressing the lien. This mechanism is crucial in the construction industry as it helps ensure that those who contribute to a project are compensated for their labor or materials.

In contrast, other terms such as title claim or property lien may refer to different legal concepts unrelated to the specific protections offered by a mechanic's lien, and a construction claim refers more broadly to a claim for compensation related to the terms of a contract rather than specifically addressing unpaid work. Understanding this distinction reinforces the importance of mechanic's liens in safeguarding the financial interests of those involved in construction projects.