Which type of lien is assigned for specific improvements made to a property?

A special assessment lien is specifically designed for improvements made to a property that enhance its value or functionality. This type of lien is typically levied by a local government when property owners benefit from specific public projects such as road repair, sewer installation, or sidewalks. The costs of these improvements are then assessed based on the benefits received by the property owners, which means those who directly benefit from the enhancement may be charged a fee or charged a portion of the total cost.

This method allows municipalities to finance public projects while ensuring that those who benefit from the improvements bear the costs proportionately. As a result, the special assessment lien places a financial obligation on the property tied to the value added by the specific improvements, making it a more focused lien compared to general tax or assessment liens, which apply broadly to all property within a jurisdiction. This targeted approach ensures that funding for local projects is derived from the properties most benefiting from them.