The Real Estate Encyclopedia & Blog

Statutory Lien

by | Feb 10, 2026

In real estate law, a statutory lien is an involuntary lien created by operation of law rather than by agreement of the parties. It arises automatically when specific conditions set forth in a statute are met.

Common examples of statutory liens include property tax liens, mechanics’ liens, and judgment liens. These liens attach to property to secure payment of obligations imposed by law and often take priority over other liens according to statutory rules.