A mechanics lien is a legal tool that gives the unpaid party a security interest in the property, essentially providing a payment guarantee. A lien is a legal claim against a particular property for some debt.You may retain the lien release along with your certificate of title until the vehicle ownership changes or you apply for a clear title. A Maryland contractor must file a Petition to Establish a Lien and then go to a Show Cause hearing so that the court can establish an "Interlocutory Lien." When you fail to pay past due tax liabilities, a lien may be filed. What is a lien (pronounces "LEEN")? What is a City Lien? A lien is an obligation against your real property. Under Maryland's "lien for unpaid wages" law, an employee may place a lien on an employer's property to secure the payment of unpaid wages. To establish a Maryland lien, an action must be filed in a court of the county in which the property to be subjected to the lien is located.