What to Do Now if Your Property Is on NYC’s Lien Sale List

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.

🟠 Important Update (May 2025):

If your home is on NYC’s tax lien sale list and you live in a 1–3 family home or condo, you may qualify for NYC’s Easy Exit Program — a fast way to get removed from the list.

Download the Easy Exit form (PDF).

Anyone who needs help should visit homeownerhelpny.org/get-help or call 1-855-466-3456.

Important Resources to Take Action:

• Check the NYC Department of Finance website to see if your property is still on the lien sale list
• Get free expert help at homeownerhelpny.org/get-help
• Or call the Center at 1-855-466-3456 and get connected to free housing and legal counseling

The NYC Tax Lien Sale is scheduled for May 20, 2025, but for homeowners still on the lien sale list, the last day to act is June 2.

Homeowners Can Still Avoid the Lien Sale

Homeowners may still qualify for one of five available options to be removed from the lien sale list, including:

• Exemptions for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities
• Enrolling in a payment plan
• Submitting an application to the Lien Sale Easy Exit Program

Advocates note that even if a homeowner is denied from the Easy Exit Program, they should still file an appeal immediately. A timely appeal can prevent the lien from being sold, especially for those in 1- to 3-family homes or condos used as a primary residence.

Practical Guidance — What to do NOW

Community-based legal advocates working with the Coalition for Affordable Homes have shared additional advice:

• Homeowners with water-only debt should call the DEP’s collection unit directly at 718-595-7890 to avoid long delays and learn about their payment plan options
• DEP installment agreements must be completed over the phone or in person (no paper forms)
• All DEP customer service centers accept walk-ins except the Queens office, which requires appointments
• File an Easy Exit application — even if the home is held in trust. While the City currently excludes trust-owned properties from eligibility, legal advocates are encouraging all homeowners to apply and appeal any denials to preserve their rights.
• Attend a Lien Sale Event — Elected officials and partner organizations continue to host events across the city to provide in-person support for homeowners. View upcoming events below this post.

Get Free Help

If you are a community leader, CBO partner, elected official, or legal advocate, you can help by directing homeowners to the resources we shared above:

• NYC Department of Finance to check if their property is on the lien sale list
• homeownerhelpny.org/get-help for help exploring the options to get off the lien sale list
• Call the Center at 1-855-466-3456 and get connected to free housing and legal experts

Additional Resources

• Learn more about the lien sale process
• Read the Center’s previous lien sale update

With less than 30 days remaining, now is the time to act. Help us ensure that every eligible homeowner knows their rights, understands their options, and gets the help they need to stay in their home.

If no action is taken by May 19, property-related debts may be sold to private collectors — resulting in aggressive collection tactics, compounding interest charges, and, in some cases, foreclosure.

New York City sells unpaid property tax, water, and sewer debts through a lien sale process. While the policy applies citywide, the burden continues to fall disproportionately on Black and Brown homeowners, seniors, and households in low- and moderate-income communities.

Although thousands of properties have been removed from the lien sale list in recent weeks, many homeowners remain — some unaware of the consequences or unsure where to turn.

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 23, 2025
Sponsor: Queens Legal Services
89-00 Sutphin Blvd, 5th Floor; Jamaica, NY 11435
9:30am-3:30 pm
Event flyer

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