If a special assessment project is incomplete and the buyer pays, which lien is recorded?

• A. Pending Special Assessment Lien
• B. Certified Special Assessment Lien
• C. General Lien
• D. Judicial Lien

Answer: (A)

A Pending Special Assessment Lien is recorded when a special improvement project is not yet completed. The pending status indicates there is an outstanding local-improvement charge tied to the property, but the assessment hasn’t been finalized or certified because the work isn’t finished. When the project is completed and the assessment is certified, the lien becomes a Certified Special Assessment Lien. General Lien applies to non-specific debts, and Judicial Lien comes from a court judgment, not from local assessments. So, in this situation, the lien recorded is the Pending Special Assessment Lien.