NYC Lien FAQ

A lien is a legal claim against real property that serves as security for a debt. Liens encumber the property and generally must be satisfied (paid) before the property can be sold with clean title. Different lien types have different priority levels and enforcement mechanisms.

Common NYC liens include: tax liens (DOF), water/sewer liens (DEP), ECB judgment liens (unpaid violation fines), mechanic's liens (unpaid contractors), mortgage liens, federal/state tax liens (IRS/NYS), and judgment liens from court cases.

NYC sells liens on properties with unpaid taxes, water/sewer charges, or other municipal debts at the annual tax lien sale. Lien buyers (typically investment trusts) charge 18% annual interest and can begin foreclosure proceedings if the lien is not redeemed within the statutory period.

Lien priority determines the order in which liens are paid from sale proceeds. Generally: property tax liens have first priority, followed by first mortgage, then subsequent liens in the order they were recorded. Mechanic's liens may have priority over later-recorded mortgages.

A mechanic's lien is filed by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who performed work or supplied materials but were not paid. In NYC, mechanic's liens must be filed within 8 months of completion (4 months for single-family). They expire after 1 year unless extended by court order.

When ECB/OATH fines go unpaid, they can be docketed as judgment liens against the property. Unlike most judgment liens which follow the person, ECB liens attach to the property — meaning a new buyer inherits them. They must be satisfied for clean title transfer.

Enter any NYC address into RegWatch to see tax liens, ECB judgment liens, mortgage liens, and other encumbrances. Our lien check tool cross-references DOF, ACRIS, and ECB data for a comprehensive lien picture.

Yes, but liens generally must be satisfied at or before closing. The title company will require lien payoff letters and will ensure all liens are paid from the seller's proceeds. Some buyers negotiate to purchase properties with liens at a discount.

A lien discharge is the official release of a lien after the underlying debt is paid. For ACRIS-recorded liens, a satisfaction document must be filed to clear the lien from the record. For ECB liens, DOF provides lien payoff information.

Unpaid DEP water and sewer charges are included in the annual NYC tax lien sale alongside unpaid property taxes. Once sold, the lien buyer can charge 18% interest and ultimately foreclose if the charges remain unpaid.

A lis pendens is a legal notice filed against a property indicating a pending lawsuit (commonly foreclosure). While not technically a lien, it serves as a warning to potential buyers and can effectively prevent sale until the litigation is resolved.

RegWatch combines DOF tax lien data, ACRIS-recorded liens (mortgages, judgments, UCC filings), and ECB judgment liens into a unified lien picture. Our lien risk scoring identifies properties with elevated risk.