What are "liens" as defined under Texas property law?

Liens are defined as legal claims or rights against property that secure payment or performance of an obligation. Under Texas property law, a lien serves as a form of security interest in the property of a borrower or debtor. Essentially, if the debtor fails to fulfill their financial obligations—such as paying back a loan—the lien allows the creditor to take action to recover the debt, often by claiming or selling the property in question.

This concept is vital in various real estate and financial transactions. For instance, a mortgage is a common type of lien where the property serves as collateral for the loan taken out by the homeowner. If the homeowner defaults on the mortgage, the lender has the legal right to initiate foreclosure proceedings on the property.

Understanding the nature of liens is critical in property law because it establishes the hierarchy of claims against property rights and helps clarify the rights and responsibilities of both debtors and creditors in financial transactions. This definition captures the essential function of liens in securing obligations related to properties.