Is Oregon a lien theory state?

Asked by: Hiram Marks  |  Last update: February 2, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (39 votes)

Oregon is considered a lien theory state for mortgages because foreclosure must go through courts (judicial), meaning the borrower keeps title; however, most lenders use trust deeds, which allow non-judicial foreclosure (like title states), making Oregon function somewhat like a title theory state in practice, though technically it's lien theory as lenders never hold the title themselves.

Is Oregon a title or lien state?

The key is to know how a mortgage is foreclosed in that state. For example, Oregon is a lien theory state because mortgage foreclosure must go through the courts. However, the vast majority of all loans secured by residential real property in Oregon are trust deeds, for the sole reason of avoiding court foreclosure.

Which states are lien theory states?

Lien Theory State

  • Arkansas.
  • Connecticut.
  • Delaware.
  • Florida.
  • Illinois.
  • Indiana.
  • Kansas.
  • Kentucky.

Is Oregon a tax lien or tax deed state?

No, the State of Oregon is a Tax Deed state rather than a tax lien state. Only the property owner and any lienholder(s) have the right to redeem the property from tax foreclosure.

What is one major difference between lien theory states and title theory states?

Lien theory states use deeds of trusts and convey the title to the lender; title theory states use mortgages and convey the title to the borrower. Title theory states cannot foreclose on property, while lien theory states do allow foreclosure.

Is Oregon A Tax Lien State?

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Who holds title to property in a lien theory state?

In a lien theory state, the buyer holds the deed to the property during the mortgage term The buyer promises to make all payments to the lender and the mortgage becomes a lien on the property, but title remains with the buyer. The lender's lien is removed once the payment of all loan payments have been completed.

What is the opposite of a lien theory state?

In lien theory states, homeowners retain full ownership of the title, while the mortgage acts as a lien against the property until the entire loan is repaid. Meanwhile, title theory states requires the title to be carried in a trust, with a trustee supervising the property until the debt is paid in full.

At what age do you stop paying property tax in Oregon?

You never completely stop paying property taxes in Oregon just by getting older, but you can defer them (delay payment) if you're 62+ and meet income/ownership requirements through the Senior Deferral Program (DOR pays taxes, you repay later with a lien) or qualify for new potential exemptions in the future (like the proposed HB3755 which offers an increasing % exemption for seniors 65+, 10-year residency, income under $150k, if passed). Eligibility requires meeting specific criteria and applying annually to your county assessor, not a specific age where payments automatically cease. 

What are the different types of liens in Oregon?

For example, a carpenter can file a construction lien for work done on a house, the IRS can file a lien for unpaid taxes, and a creditor can file a lien for an unpaid judgment. There are four common types of liens on real property: a trust deed, a mortgage, a land sale contract and an involuntary lien.

Can someone put a lien on your property without you knowing?

Yes, a lien can be placed on your house without you knowing, especially with involuntary liens like tax liens, mechanic's liens from unpaid contractors, judgment liens from lawsuits, or child support liens for overdue payments, as these don't always require direct notice before filing in public records. While you might not be directly notified immediately, the lien is recorded publicly, and you often discover it when selling or refinancing, but you can check your county recorder's office for public records to see if any exist. 

What does a lien theory state mean?

What is lien theory? In lien theory states, the borrower holds the title to the property. Instead of a Deed of Trust, a Mortgage is recorded in the public record and acts as a lien against the property until the debt is paid off.

What does it mean when your house is on a lean?

What Is a Lien on a Property? A property lien is a legal claim on a person's property by their creditor to recover an unpaid debt or obligation. Property liens are usually leveraged by creditors who have not been paid. Once a lien is placed on your home, the creditor can foreclose on the house to recover the debt.

Why would a title theory state typically have a nonjudicial path to foreclosure?

Title theory, prevalent in states like West Virginia and Rhode Island, grants the lender legal title to the property until the mortgage is fully paid. This provides more security to the mortgage lender and typically allows for non-judicial foreclosures.

What is the difference between lien theory and title theory?

Key Implications. For Lenders: Title theory states provide more security and a faster foreclosure process. For Borrowers: Lien theory states offer more legal protection and a longer foreclosure process, giving borrowers more time to resolve issues.

Why is Oregon not a community property state?

The state of Oregon (and the majority of other US states) is considered an equitable distribution state. This means that the court will divide property and assets equitably (or fairly). Under some circumstances, a 50/50 split may not always be the most equitable solution.

Do liens expire in Oregon?

The lien expires after 180 days, unless the producer extends it by filing a notice with the Secretary of State, in which case the lien's full effectiveness is for 18 months.

What is the lien law in Oregon?

Construction liens have been a part of Oregon's law for over 100 years. Under this law, anyone who constructs improvements to property, supplies materials, rents equipment, or provides services for improvements has a right to collect payment from the property if they are not paid.

Can anyone file a lien on my property?

Yes, many different parties can place a lien on your house, including mortgage lenders, government agencies (IRS, local taxes, child support), unpaid contractors, HOAs, and even creditors who win a court judgment against you, all serving as legal claims for unpaid debts or obligations that must be settled before you can sell or refinance. These can be voluntary (like a mortgage) or involuntary (like a tax lien or judgment lien). 

Is Oregon a judicial foreclosure state?

Oregon allows for two different foreclosure processes: judicial and nonjudicial. Foreclosure can also occur when a homeowner does not pay their property taxes, a court judgment, or other liens on the property. This covers Nonjudicial Foreclosure.

Do property taxes go down when you turn 65?

Turning 65 doesn't automatically lower property taxes, but it often qualifies you for significant tax relief programs like exemptions or freezes, reducing your taxable value or locking in your school tax amount, depending on your state and local rules. These benefits, like Texas's Senior Freeze or Michigan's credits, require you to apply and meet income/residency rules, helping seniors on fixed incomes manage rising costs. 

What is the Homestead Act in Oregon?

1862 Homestead Act: This was the first homestead act where settlers could obtain up to 160 acres without cost other than certain filing fees by meeting requirements to live on the land in a habitable dwelling for 5 years and cultivate the land.

What is the Oregon senior citizen program to pay property tax bills?

The Senior Citizen Deferral program allows you to borrow from the State of Oregon to pay your property taxes to the County. The program is a delay in paying property taxes on your residence and the State will record a lien on your property.

Who keeps the original title deeds?

The original title deed is officially recorded and kept by your local government's County Recorder, Register of Deeds, or County Clerk office, serving as the public record, while you usually receive a copy after closing; if you have a mortgage, the lender often holds the physical deed until the loan is paid off, but the official record is always public.
 

What are the three types of liens?

The three main types of liens are Consensual, Statutory, and Judgment liens, classified by how they are created: by agreement (consensual, like a mortgage), by law (statutory, like a tax lien or mechanic's lien), or by court order (judgment, after a lawsuit). These liens give creditors a legal claim on a debtor's property to secure repayment of a debt, affecting the property's transferability until resolved.
 

What states have title theory?

Title Theory States:

  • Alaska.
  • Arizona.
  • Colorado.
  • Washington D.C.
  • Georgia.
  • Idaho.
  • Mississippi.
  • Missouri.