"Mechanics' lien" or "mechanics' lien claim" means a lien or claim arising under the Mechanics Lien Act.
15-1206.Mechanics' Lien.
Article XV. Mortgage Foreclosure · Part 12. Definitions · Last amended 2009 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceThis section defines “mechanics' lien” or “mechanics' lien claim” as a lien or claim arising under the Mechanics Lien Act.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/15-1206
Plain-English Summary
Section 15-1206 keeps the definition simple by pointing outward: a mechanics' lien, or mechanics' lien claim, is whatever lien or claim arises under the Mechanics Lien Act, defined separately in Section 15-1222. Article XV does not create mechanics' lien rights itself; it borrows the concept from that other Act.
The definition matters because Section 15-1107 lets a mechanics' lien claimant assert its lien inside an Article XV foreclosure, intervene under the Article's procedures, and be made a party, even though the underlying lien right and its priority still come from the Mechanics Lien Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mechanics' lien under Article XV?
A lien or claim arising under the Mechanics Lien Act.
Where does the underlying lien right come from?
The Mechanics Lien Act, not Article XV itself.
Can a mechanics' lien claimant participate in a mortgage foreclosure case?
Yes. Section 15-1107 lets a mechanics' lien claimant assert the lien, intervene, and be made a party in an Article XV foreclosure.
Does Article XV change mechanics' lien priority rules?
This section does not address priority; it only defines the term by reference to the Mechanics Lien Act.
What is the difference between asserting a lien and enforcing it under this Article?
Section 15-1107 distinguishes asserting a mechanics' lien within an Article XV foreclosure from enforcing it, which remains governed by the Mechanics Lien Act.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 96-328, eff. 8-11-09.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: illinois mechanics lien foreclosure definitionmechanics lien claim mortgage foreclosure illinoismechanics lien act definition foreclosure