How to get around a lien on a house?

Asked by: Dylan Kiehn  |  Last update: January 29, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (4 votes)

Pay Off the Lien – Once you determine that the lien is valid, the simplest method for removing it is to pay it off. Even if you need to borrow the funds from family or friends, satisfying your debt will allow the property to become unencumbered, sold, and closed.

Can lien amount be removed?

Once the charges are recovered or the Fraud / Dispute is resolved, the lien will be removed.

How much does it cost to get a lien removed?

Cost of Removing a Lien from Real Estate

Attorney fees can be a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Court costs could be as little as $50 or add up to several hundred dollars. You may also have to pay the county recorder's office a recording fee to have the lien release document recorded.

Can I lose my house if there is a lien on it?

Once a lien is placed on your home, the creditor can foreclose on the house to recover the debt. A creditor must file and be approved for a property lien through a county records office. Different states may have their own processes for lien filing. Often, the creditor will notify the debtor of the lien.

Can someone put a lien on my house without me knowing?

Yes. A lien can be placed without your knowledge. Thanks!

How To Remove A Lien From A Property (Before It Costs You Your House)

20 related questions found

How long can a house be sold with a lien on it?

The period for how long a lien can last will vary depending on your state. However, most liens remain on a title for up to 2 years.

How do you dispute a lien?

The lawsuit process typically involves:

  1. Filing a formal lien contest in court.
  2. Serving notice to the lienholder.
  3. Presenting evidence supporting your dispute.
  4. Obtaining a court order for lien removal.

How do you remove a lien?

If the lien amount is due to a pending loan EMI or credit card dues, clear the necessary payment(s). The bank will automatically remove the lien upon the lender's instructions. If the lien is still not removed or if there's a technical glitch, contact your bank's customer care team to ask how to remove the lien.

What happens if you buy a house with a lien on it?

Lenders will not approve mortgages to buy homes that have liens against them. Instead, they will require the liens to be removed first. Buyers are also reluctant to purchase homes with liens because, when you buy a home with a lien, you become responsible for paying the debt that's associated with it.

How to remove a lien without paying?

Wait for the Statute of Limitations to Expire – In some instances, you can remove a lien without paying off the debt by running out the statute of limitations. For example, the amount of time a judgment lien can remain on your property varies by state.

Can you negotiate a lien?

Can You Negotiate a Lien Reduction? Yes, in many cases, lienholders are willing to negotiate. They often prefer to receive partial payment rather than go through a lengthy foreclosure process that may not guarantee full repayment.

How does a lien affect your credit score?

While unpaid liens don't appear on your credit report, they can hurt your credit since your lender reports your payment history to the credit bureaus. Consequently, a record of nonpayment could appear on your credit report.

How to write an application for remove lien amount?

Sample Application for Lien Removal

I respectfully submit that I am not involved in any fraudulent or unlawful activity. The transaction in question (Rs. [Amount]) is genuine, and I enclose supporting documents such as account statements, receipts, and identity proofs for your review.

How do you get around a title with a lien?

Once you have paid off your loan, the lien should be removed by removing the lender from your Certificate of Title. Typically, once you pay off your loan, the lender signs the back of the Certificate of Title to release the title to you.

What would happen if you bought a house and later found out that there were unpaid liens?

In the worst-case scenario, a lienholder may be able to seize the property if the debt remains unpaid. This can occur through a legal process known as a lien foreclosure. For example, a tax lien could lead to the government seizing the property to pay off the unpaid taxes.

Who can put a lien on your property?

For example, a creditor can place a lien on your house if you don't pay your credit cards, medical bills, or personal loans. The government: Can put a lien on your property if you don't pay your real estate taxes, business taxes, or income taxes. The IRS can put a lien on your home if you don't pay your federal taxes.

How much does it cost to clear a lien?

If the lien is a mortgage lien, you may have to pay a reconveyance fee to the lender to release the lien. This fee can range from $100 to $300. You may also have to pay a recording fee to record the lien release document with the county recorder's office. This fee can range from $10 to $50.

What are the three types of liens?

Of the three types of liens (consensual, statutory, and judgment), the judgment lien is the most dangerous form, but one which the informed business owner may be able to eliminate. A judicial lien is created when a court grants a creditor an interest in the debtor's property, after a court judgment.

How long does it take to get a lien removed?

How to get rid of a lien. Paying your tax debt - in full - is the best way to get rid of a federal tax lien. The IRS releases your lien within 30 days after you have paid your tax debt.

Can you sue someone for putting a lien on your house?

If somebody wrongfully records a lien against your property, you can file a lawsuit for what's called “quiet title” to ask to have the court order that the lien be removed.

What happens if you buy property that has a lien on it?

A lien is the result of a debt and works as a legal notice that's placed on the property until said debt is paid in full. In the meantime, the title is 'unclear' and a potential title transfer will be hindered by specific limitations. It all depends on the type of lien that's placed on the property.

How to file a release of lien?

Once the loan is repaid, the lender should provide a recordable lien release document. It is very important to record the lien release document with the same recording official as the original mortgage or deed of trust (such as the County Clerk of Court or Register-Recorder of Deeds Office).

What is a lien removal letter?

The lien removal process ensures the borrower's title to the asset is restored. If the borrower has fully repaid the loan or the debt has been settled, the lender is obligated to remove the lien. Without this step, the asset may remain encumbered, and the borrower would not have clear title to the property or vehicle.

What does it mean to release the lien?

The lien release formally acknowledges that the original mortgage loan has been paid off, releasing the property to be used as security for the new loan. Once the debt is repaid, the lender must promptly release the lien, giving the borrower a clear title to the property.

Is it bad to have a lien on your house?

For homeowners in California, understanding the types of liens that may affect their property is critical to protecting their investment. While some liens may be negotiable, such as a contractor's lien, others, like tax liens, require immediate attention to avoid legal consequences such as foreclosure.