In the relationship between lienor and lienee, who holds the lien?

In the relationship between a lienor and lienee, the lienor is the party that holds the lien. A lien is a legal right or interest that a lender has in the borrower's property, granted until the debt obligation is satisfied. In this context, the lienor is typically a creditor or service provider who has extended credit, services, or funds to the lienee, who is the party that owes the obligation.

The crucial aspect of this relationship is that the lienor possesses the right to retain possession of the lienee's property until the debt is resolved. This gives lienors a prioritized claim over the property compared to other creditors. Understanding this structure is essential, as it defines the rights and responsibilities of both parties and the nature of the security interest created.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the definitions or roles established in the lien relationship. The lienee does not hold the lien but rather is subject to it, indicating the imbalance of power characteristic of this legal arrangement. The notion of equal claims or an agency relationship further misrepresents the nature of this binding contract, which distinctly places rights in favor of the lienor over the lienee.