Which lien would be top of the list?

• A. Writ of attachment lien
• B. Judgment lien
• C. Possession lien
• D. Construction lien

Answer: (C)

Liens compete for priority, and a possessory lien has the highest priority because it arises from the holder’s immediate possession of the property and its goods. This type of lien secures payment for rent, charges, or services by attaching to the items on the premises as soon as possession occurs, without needing a court order or registration first. Because it is rooted in the right of possession, it can be enforced promptly by applying to seize or sell the goods on site to satisfy the claim, taking precedence over other liens that require a creditor to obtain a judgment, court process, or must be registered (such as writs of attachment, judgment liens, or construction liens).

Writs of attachment and judgment liens depend on court action and post-judgment steps, so they generally follow after possessory claims. Construction liens must be filed and recorded under the applicable construction lien regime and are subject to its own priority rules, which are usually not as immediate as a possessory lien tied directly to possession. Hence, the possessory lien is ranked at the top.