NYC Lien Sale Just Days Away — 7 Things You Must Know to Get Off the List by June 3

Editor’s note (updated May 14, 2025):

This blog post has been updated to reflect the NYC Department of Finance’s announcement that the 2025 lien sale has been postponed to June 3. Homeowners must take action by June 2 to remove their properties from the list.

Also, unpaid water bills are on the lien sale list.

With just days remaining for New York City’s June 3 lien sale, thousands of properties remain on the lien list which means time is running out for New Yorkers to save their homes.

The good news: there’s still time to act by May 19. Here are seven things homeowners, advocates, and community partners need to know — and do — before it’s too late.

1. Get off the lien sale list with the Easy Exit Program — but you must act by June 2.

Homeowners in 1–3 family homes and condos may qualify for NYC’s Easy Exit Program. If approved, you’ll be removed from the lien sale list. You can download the NYC Department of Finance Easy Exit application (PDF). You can visit our Get Help page or call 855-466-3456 for additional help.

2. Nearly half of properties on the list are for unpaid water bills only.

Many homeowners with outstanding water bills don’t realize they’re on the list. If that’s you, don’t ignore the letters. Plus, you may still qualify for Easy Exit.

3. The rules have changed — and some trust-owned homes now qualify for the Easy Exit program.

While this change doesn’t apply to all homes held by trusts, we recommend that you resubmit your application if you were previously denied, or call us for help.

4. The application is fast — but time is short.

Most Easy Exit applications are processed within 3 to 4 days. But the closer we get to the deadline, the longer processing may take. Apply now and avoid waiting until the deadline.

5. We’ve updated our interactive map.

Check out our latest map which shows neighborhoods hit hardest by the lien sale. This map shows the concentration of liens in neighborhoods across the city — not individual addresses.

6. If your property’s on the list and also involved in deed theft, other scams, or tangled title — help is available.

Legal aid groups and housing counselors may be able to help you, even if DOF has denied you before. Contact us.

7. You may qualify for an exemption — but you must act now.

Some homeowners can avoid the lien sale entirely by applying for property tax exemptions. These include:

• Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE)
• Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE)
• Veterans Exemptions
• Not-for-Profit Exemption

Share this now — someone you know may be at risk.

Even if you’re not on the list, someone in your neighborhood, building, congregation, or club might be. Please share this post and the links below.

• Easy Exit form
• Get help from the Center
• Interactive lien sale map

The tools to save homes during this critical time are here. Let’s make sure every qualified homeowner knows about them — and gets the help they need before June 2.

Events for Free In-Person Help

The following list of upcoming events are sponsored by the NYC Department of Finance, elected officials, and partner organizations.

Friday, May 30, 2025
Sponsor: Queens Legal Services
89-00 Sutphin Blvd, 5th Floor; Jamaica, NY 11435
9:30am-3:30 pm
Event flyer