Which of the following represents a private encumbrance on property ownership?

A private encumbrance refers to a claim or restriction on property ownership that affects the rights of the owner in a way that is not imposed by the government. Mortgages are a prime example of this as they are agreements between private individuals or institutions and the property owner. When a property owner takes out a mortgage, the lender obtains a financial stake in the property until the loan is repaid, which can restrict the owner's ability to sell or transfer the property without addressing the mortgage obligation first.

This is different from other options, such as tax liens, which are imposed by government entities to secure payment for taxes owed. Likewise, government regulations and public easements relate to governmental authority over property and do not constitute private claims that an individual might have against another individual's property. Thus, mortgages distinctly fit the definition of a private encumbrance, affecting ownership rights through a private financial agreement.