How to Get a Lien Removed From a Deed for Your House

Take steps to remove a lien from the deed to your home.

When you fail to pay a debt, such as a car repair or back taxes, a lien can be placed on the deed to your home. The lien prevents you from selling your home without first satisfying the lien. If you currently have a lien attached to your deed and you want to get rid of it, you must follow the proper steps to have it successfully removed.

Instructions

1. Contact the agency that placed the lien on your deed. Request the payoff amount, and make arrangements to issue the agency the money owed. You cannot get rid of a lien without paying the debt first.

2. Request that the agency in question fill out a "Release of Lien" form after you have made the final payment to satisfy the lien. Keep a copy of this form for your records.

3. Take your "Release of Lien" form to your local court, if required in your county. The court system will give you a certified document verifying that the lien was indeed paid in full, and an order that the lien be removed from your deed. Fees for this service vary by county. Call ahead to determine how much money to bring with you to court.

4. Register the court document and the "Release of Lien" form with your county's deed office to have the lien removed from your deed.

Tips & Warnings

• "Release of lien" forms are available online or through an attorney.

References

• Middlesex North Registry of Deeds: Frequently Asked Questions
• Realty Times; Dealing With Clouds On Your Title; Sandy Gadow; June 25, 1999
• Back Taxes Help: How to Release a Tax Lien

Resources

• Forms Guru: Free Release of Lien