In real estate terminology, which term defines a legal claim against a property for a debt?

The term that defines a legal claim against a property for a debt is "encumbrance." An encumbrance is a general term in real estate that refers to any claim, lien, or liability attached to a property, which can affect the title and the property's ability to be freely transferred. This includes mortgages, liens, and other financial obligations that can impede the owner's use or sale of the property.

While a mortgage is a specific type of encumbrance used to secure the repayment of a loan against the property, the broader term "encumbrance" encompasses mortgages as well as other claims. An easement grants someone the right to use a portion of someone else's property for a specific purpose, and an affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, which does not pertain directly to property claims. Thus, in this context, encumbrance is the most accurate term to describe a legal claim for a debt against a property.