Tax Liens

A tax lien means the City says money is owed on your property.

This can happen if you owe property taxes, water or sewer charges, or some other City charges. If the debt is not paid or fixed, the lien may be sold, and that can put your home at risk.

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See How To Get Off the List
 

What is a tax lien?

A tax lien is a legal claim against your home because money is owed. In this case, the debt may include:

  • property taxes

  • water or sewer bills

  • some other City charges

If the debt is not paid, the City may sell the lien to a private company that collects debt. That can make the problem worse because new fees may be added and interest may keep growing. Your home may also be at risk of foreclosure.

 

What should I do right away?

If you get a lien sale notice:

  • do not ignore it

  • open every notice

  • check what kind of debt you owe

  • act before the deadline on your notice

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Am I at risk?

You may be at risk if you are behind on:

  • property taxes

  • water or sewer bills

  • certain repair charges or other City charges

The rules can be confusing. If you get a notice, do not wait, even if you are not sure you qualify.

The City is supposed to send warning notices before the lien sale. But even if you do not receive a notice, your property may still be on the list. That is why it also helps to check your property tax account and water account

 

How do I get off the lien sale list?

There are a few main ways to get off the lien sale list:

Pay the debt in full

You may be able to pay your:

  • property taxes to DOF

  • water and sewer charges to DEP 

Start a payment plan

There are different payment-plan options. Some may let you spread payments out over time.

Apply for an exemption

Some homeowners may qualify for exemptions, including:

  • older adults

  • people with disabilities

  • veterans

  • active military members

Apply for Easy Exit

Easy Exit may remove some qualifying homeowners from the lien sale for one year.

Submit an Emergency Repair Certification

This may help if the debt came from certain HPD emergency repair charges.

What else should I know?

If your debt is only for water or sewer charges

If the problem is only water or sewer debt, call DEP right away. Ask about your payment options and what you need to do to avoid the lien sale.

What is PT AID?

PT AID may let some homeowners delay part of what they owe in property taxes.

Before you sign up, make sure you understand:

  • how much interest you will owe

  • whether you must renew the plan each year

  • what happens if you sell or transfer the home

  • whether this is the best option for your situation

  • get help now

Talk to your mortgage company carefully

Your mortgage company may offer help, but do not agree too fast.

A new plan could raise your monthly payment. If you have a reverse mortgage, unpaid property taxes may put your home at risk even faster. Get advice before you sign anything.

 

Where can I get help?

You may still have options. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your home.

For help:

  • call 311 for unpaid property taxes and DOF issues

  • call DEP for water and sewer charges

  • contact HomeownerHelpNY for free housing or legal help