Code: Lien (Legal claim against property)
Description: (Lien) is a legal claim or hold against your property because a debt or City charge has not been fully paid. If the lien is not resolved, the person or agency holding it can use it to block, delay, or complicate a sale, refinance, or transfer of the property.
Practical Meaning: For a NYC homeowner, a lien means the City or another creditor says you owe money on your property, and they have a legal claim until you pay or reach a payment plan. You may need to contact the Department of Finance, DEP, or a housing counselor quickly to avoid extra fees, foreclosure risk, or a tax lien sale.
Where You May See It: You may see “lien” on a title report, bank or lender documents, Department of Finance notices, DEP water and sewer bills, HPD letters about emergency repair charges, or NYC tax lien sale warning notices.
Why It Matters: Liens can lead to higher costs, legal action, or loss of your home if debts stay unpaid, and they often must be cleared or addressed before you can sell or refinance. Understanding what kind of lien you have (for example, tax lien, water lien, or mechanic’s lien) helps you contact the right agency and choose the best way to fix the problem.