What defines a statutory lien?

A statutory lien is defined as a lien that is created automatically by law, without the need for the property owner's consent or action. This means that the lien arises directly from a statute, often aimed at securing the payment of certain obligations, like taxes or unpaid bills, ensuring that the law provides a mechanism for creditors to claim rights against a property to satisfy debts.

In contrast, a lien created by mutual agreement would arise from a contract between parties, not from legislation. The option about a fee pertains more to transactional costs rather than the nature of the lien itself. Similarly, while statutory liens may have certain state-specific regulations or boundaries, the fundamental characteristic of a statutory lien is its creation by law, not geographic limitations. This makes the option that states it is created by a statute without owner action the most accurate definition of a statutory lien.