Encumbrances Practice Test

A tax lien is an encumbrance that can be discharged by paying off the debt it secures, which in this case is the amount owed in taxes. When property owners fail to pay their property taxes, local governments may place a tax lien on the property as a way to secure the obligation. The lien gives the government a legal claim to the property until the debt is satisfied. Once the property owner pays the owed taxes, the lien is released, thereby clearing the encumbrance from the property record.

In contrast, a property lease involves an agreement between a landlord and tenant, which does not necessarily secure a debt in the same way and is not discharged through payment of taxes. An encroachment typically refers to an unauthorized construction or use of a part of someone's property and does not involve a secured debt. A common easement grants a specific use of a property but also doesn't involve a debt repayment process for discharge.