A construction lien is a claim against real property that secures payment of a debt for improving the property. In practice, it tends to be an expensive but highly effective way to collect for past due construction-related work. A construction lien gives contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers the ultimate right to foreclose on the real property if the property owner fails or refuses to pay for their construction work. Construction liens apply only to privately owned property, not property owned by the government. Construction liens in many states still go by the traditional name "mechanics' liens."