Legal Definitions - encumbrancer

Definition: An encumbrancer is someone who has a legal right to claim ownership or control over a property. This can include having a lien or mortgage on the property.

Example: If you take out a mortgage to buy a house, the bank becomes an encumbrancer on the property. This means that they have a legal claim to the property until the mortgage is paid off.

Another example: A contractor who performs work on a property and is not paid may place a lien on the property as an encumbrancer. This gives them the legal right to claim payment from the property owner before the property can be sold or transferred.

These examples illustrate how an encumbrancer can have a legal claim on a property, either through a mortgage or a lien. This can affect the ability of the property owner to sell or transfer the property until the encumbrancer's claim is satisfied.