How to Find Out If There’s a Lien on Your Property?

If you own a home, you want it to be yours and yours alone. No hidden claims, no surprise debts, and no one else with a legal stake in your place. But if there’s a lien on your property, that changes things. A lien means someone else has a legal claim to part of your home’s value. It could stop you from selling, refinancing, or even keeping your home in the long run.

So, how do you know if there’s a lien on your house? Let’s walk through it.

What Is a Lien?

A lien is a legal claim that someone files against your property. It means they’re owed money, and your house acts as the collateral. Think of it like a warning flag tied to your deed. Until it’s paid off or cleared, that flag stays up.

Liens come in a few forms:

Mortgage liens: These are normal and expected. Your lender uses this to secure the loan.

Tax liens: If you owe back taxes, the government can file a lien.

Mechanic’s liens: Contractors or tradespeople can file these if you didn’t pay them for work. For instance, if you hire a contractor to fix a sidewalk after receiving a DOT violation in New York City and don’t pay, the contractor may file a mechanic’s lien.

Judgment liens: If you lose a lawsuit and don’t pay, the court can place a lien.

Some liens are voluntary, like a mortgage. Others are involuntary, like unpaid taxes or bills.

Why It Matters?

If you ever plan to sell your house, a lien can delay or block the sale. Most buyers won’t touch a property with an unpaid lien. It also causes problems if you try to refinance or take out a loan using your home as equity.

Even worse, if the lien holder decides to act, they can force a sale to get their money. That’s not common, but it’s a real risk.

Now let’s get into how to check.

Step-by-Step: How to Check for a Lien

1. Check With Your County Clerk or Recorder’s Office

Every property has records on file at the local county office. These include sales, transfers, and liens.

You can visit in person or check their website. Many counties now offer online search tools.

Here’s what you need:

Your full name
The property address
Sometimes, the parcel number

When you run the search, look for “lien,” “notice of default,” or “claim.” These will show up if a lien exists.

If the site looks confusing, call the office. Most clerks are happy to help homeowners find the right records.

2. Hire a Title Company

If you want peace of mind, hire a title company. These are the same folks who handle title checks during real estate sales.

They can run a deep search and pull up any liens or claims. It costs a bit, but it’s fast and reliable.

This is the best move if you’re about to sell or refinance. They’ll also catch older liens that may still be active.

3. Ask a Real Estate Attorney

In tricky cases, a real estate lawyer can help. If you think there might be a lien or if you’ve gotten a notice in the mail, call an attorney.

They can explain your options and help you remove the lien if needed.

4. Check Your Credit Report

While this won’t show every lien, tax liens or court judgments may appear on your credit report. If something looks odd, that could be a sign there’s a lien or judgment tied to your name.

What to Do If You Find a Lien?

First, don’t panic. Most liens can be resolved with the right steps.

Here’s what you can do:

Talk to the lien holder: If it’s a contractor or lender, ask what’s owed and how to pay.

Settle the debt: Once the payment clears, ask for a “Release of Lien” document.

File the release with your county office. This clears the record.

Challenge errors: If the lien is wrong, file a dispute with the county or hire an attorney.

Make sure you get everything in writing. Don’t just take verbal promises. Official documents are key when it comes to property rights.

Keep an Eye Out

The best way to protect your home is to stay on top of paperwork. Check your property record once a year, just like you check your credit. If you hire contractors, always keep receipts and signed agreements.

If a bill seems fishy, don’t ignore it. Even a small unpaid charge can turn into a lien if someone files a claim.

Final Word

Your home is more than four walls and a roof. It’s a big part of your life, your savings, and your future. Hidden liens can quietly cause problems that show up at the worst time.

But now you know how to spot them before they do damage. Whether you check with your local office, a title company, or an attorney, the key is not to wait. A quick check now can save you thousands later.