What term describes a lien that is limited to a specific item controlled by the debtor?

A specific lien refers to a legal claim against a particular piece of property owned by the debtor. This type of lien is directly associated with that specific item, meaning that it only applies to the property in question rather than to the debtor's entire set of assets. For instance, a mortgage is a classic example of a specific lien because it is tied to the property being financed—if the borrower fails to meet their payment obligations, the lender can only seek repayment through that specific property, not others owned by the debtor.

This distinction highlights the limitation of the lien's reach, as it does not extend to the debtor's other possessions or properties. In contrast, a general lien would apply to multiple properties or assets, an involuntary lien is typically imposed without the debtor's consent (such as tax liens), and a voluntary lien is created with the debtor's consent, often seen in contracts or mortgages. Understanding this terminology is crucial in property ownership, as it impacts how claims can be enforced against specific assets.