Lien Sale Eligibility

Depending on your type of property, there can be as many as four conditions that make your property eligible for the lien sale. Use the table below to understand the rules that apply to your property.


Property Tax Debt Water/Sewer Debt AEP Debt * ERP Debt *
Type of Property Minimum Amount Years Overdue Minimum Amount Years Overdue Minimum Amount Years Overdue Minimum Amount Years Overdue
1 Family - Owner Occupied $5000 3 See note below. N/A N/A N/A N/A
1 Family - Non-Owner Occupied $5000 3 See note below. $1000 1 $1000 1
2-3 Family - Owner Occupied $5000 3 $3000 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A
2-3 Family - Non-Owner Occupied $5000 3 $3000 1 $1000 1 $1000 1
Residential Condominium $5000 3 $1000 1 $1000 1 $1000 1
Residential Cooperative Building $5000 3 $1000 1 $1000 1 $1000 1
Developable Class 1 Vacant Land $1000 3 N/A N/A $1000 1 $1000 1
Small Store or Office with 1 or 2 Apartments Above $5000 3 $3000 1 $1000 1 $1000 1
Housing Development Fund Company (HDFC) Rental Building $5000 2 $5000 2 $5000 2 $5000 2
All Other $1000 1 $1000 1 $1000 1 $1000 1

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Properties receiving certain tax exemptions, including those listed below, are excluded from the lien sale. For more information and to access or request exemption applications, visit www.nyc.gov/liensale or call 311.

Exemption Who is eligible? Income Residency/ Ownership Excluded from Lien Sale?
Senior Citizen Homeowners’ (SCHE) Seniors 65 and over $58,399 or less Primary residence; owned 1 year or more Yes
Disabled Homeowners’ (DHE) Owners 18+ with a qualifying disability $58,399 or less Primary residence Yes
Veterans US military veterans, widows of veterans, and Gold Star parents. Must have served during designated periods No requirement Primary residence (except Eligible Funds exemption recipients) Combat and disabled veterans.*
New York State Circuit Breaker All who meet income, property requirements $18,000 or less Property market value less than $85,000 Yes
School Tax Relief (STAR) All who meet income, property requirements Exemption: $250,000 or less Credit: $500,000 or less Primary residence No
Enhanced STAR Seniors 65 and over $107,300 or less Primary residence No

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