If a supplier furnishes materials for a house and is not paid, they may file a

• A. Lien for lis pendens
• B. Judgment lien
• C. Property tax lien
• D. Mechanic's lien

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is how a party who supplies materials for a real property improvement secures payment through a lien. When a supplier furnishes materials for a house and isn’t paid, they can file a mechanic’s lien. This lien creates a security interest in the improved property, meaning the property itself is encumbered until the debt for the materials is paid, and the lien can be enforced by selling the property if necessary. Washington law provides this remedy specifically for those who contribute to the construction or improvement of real property, with filing deadlines to protect the lien rights.

Lis pendens isn’t a lien for payment; it’s merely a notice that a legal action affecting title is pending. A judgment lien comes from a court judgment and attaches to property after judgment, not directly from furnishing materials. A property tax lien arises from unpaid property taxes, not from a contract for materials or improvements. Mechanic’s lien is the correct tool for securing payment in this scenario.