Which lien results from owner or municipality-initiated improvements?

• A. Special Assessment Liens
• B. General Lien
• C. Statutory Lien
• D. Judgement Liens

Answer: (A)

Special assessment liens arise when a local government funds a public improvement that benefits a property—like street paving, sidewalks, or sewer upgrades—and assigns the cost to the affected parcels. The charge is attached as a lien on the specific property, making it payable over time (often through property tax bills or special assessment payments). This type of lien stays with the land, so it transfers with ownership until fully paid.

This is distinct from a general lien, which encumbers all of the debtor’s property rather than a specific parcel; a statutory lien, created by statute for particular circumstances; and a judgment lien, which comes from a court decision rather than an improvement project.