What Happens If You Ignore a Property Lien in California?
Got a lien on your property in California? Ignoring it won’t make it go away. In fact, it’ll just make things harder when it comes time to sell or refinance. Whether it’s a tax lien, judgment lien, mechanic’s lien, or something from your HOA, you’ll need to deal with it—one way or another.
What Kind of Trouble Can You Get Into?
You won’t be able to sell your house with a lien still recorded. Same with refinancing—it’ll get blocked. Title companies and buyers will see the lien, and most of them won’t touch the property until it’s resolved. Even worse, some liens can lead to foreclosure if they aren’t paid off.
And don’t forget the fees. Most liens collect interest and penalties over time. The longer you wait, the more you’ll owe.
The Different Types of Liens You Might Be Facing
Tax Liens – Owed taxes to the IRS or California Franchise Tax Board? They can slap a lien on your property that sticks until the debt is paid. Tax liens usually have top priority and will stop you from transferring the home until you clear it.
Judgment Liens – Lost a lawsuit and didn’t pay? That creditor can record a judgment lien that attaches to your home. Even if you sell, the lien follows the property unless you pay it off or challenge it in court.
Mechanic’s Liens – Did a contractor do work on your property that didn’t get paid for? They can file a mechanic’s lien. These are dangerous—contractors can sometimes force a sale to recover what they’re owed.
H3 HOA Liens – Didn’t pay your dues? Your homeowners’ association can put a lien on the property and even foreclose depending on the amount owed and their rules.
Liens & Their Impacts
| Lien Type | Effect If Ignored |
| Tax Lien | Blocks refinancing/sale; government priority over other liens |
| Judgment Lien | Follows property up to 10 yrs; may enable foreclosure |
| Mechanic’s Lien | Prevents sale/refinance; may lead to court foreclosure |
| HOA/Condo Lien | Stops buyers or lenders proceeding without resolution |
| Municipal / Statutory Lien | Title problems, delays, or additional legal exposure |
What You Can Do About It
Figure out what kind of lien you have. Call the county recorder’s office or get a title report. If you’re unsure, reach out and we’ll help you find out what’s on record.
Pay it off if you can. That’s the simplest option. Once it’s paid, get the lien released and recorded to clear your title.
Negotiate if you can’t pay in full. Some creditors will settle for less than the full amount, especially if you’re in a tight spot. Always get any settlement in writing and make sure the lien is properly removed once paid.
Sell your house “as-is.” If you’re done dealing with the hassle, you can sell your house to a cash buyer who knows how to work through title problems and liens. You won’t need to fix anything or clear the lien yourself—we’ll handle it for you.
Dealing With Tenants?
If there’s a lien and you have tenants in the home, make sure they’re part of the process. If the lien is tied to the condition of the property (like a mechanic’s or HOA lien), it helps to have the tenant meet with any officials to understand what needs to be fixed.
Review the lease. If it says the tenant has to maintain the property in accordance with local laws, they may share liability—but in the end, the owner is responsible for resolving liens with the city or county.
Ignoring a lien won’t make it disappear. It’ll just create more problems when you’re ready to sell. If you’re dealing with liens in California and want out fast, we can help.
H3 Want to Sell a House With a Lien in California?
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