A security interest that may be acquired in property by someone who spends material or labor working on that property. A mechanic's lien usually stays in effect until the lien holder gets paid for services provided. The failure to pay for services as agreed may allow the lien holder to keep possession of the property involved. Thus, an automobile mechanic may be able to hold a car until its owner pays for repairs.
A mechanic's lien is not necessarily limited to mechanics. To prevent confusion, other names may be used for the same concept (e.g., construction lien, laborer's lien, artisan's lien, supplier's lien, garageman's lien, materialman's lien, and design professional's lien).