Definitions of encumbrance
a mortgage, claim or other liability attached to a piece of property
After discovering the existence of an encumbrance in the form of a lien on the property, the buyer did not withdraw his offer, but he did reduce it substantially.
something that makes it more difficult for someone or something to do something, to use something or to act or behave normally
The land itself is an unpleasant encumbrance without any value whatsoever.