Can unpaid property taxes and water bills lead to foreclosure?

You may be AT RISK if you are behind on your property taxes or water/sewer charges. Unpaid amounts become tax liens that may be sold in a tax lien sale and may lead to foreclosure. Although New York City paused tax lien sales during the pandemic, discussions are underway to restart the sales. You may be able to work out a repayment agreement or defer paying your property taxes with the city to avoid foreclosure. 

Here’s what you can do:

• You may be able to work out a repayment agreement or defer paying your property taxes with NYC to avoid foreclosure. More information is available at
  https://www1.nyc.gov/site/finance/taxes/property-payment-plans.page
• New York City has several tax exemptions and abatements which may reduce your annual property tax burden. More information is available here:
  https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/property/property-tax-benefits.page
• For water debt, you may be eligible for assistance under the Water Debt Assistance Program (WDAP). More information is available at https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/pay-my-bills/water-debt-assistance-program.page

More information and resources are available on NYC’s Tax Lien Sale page here.

For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about our intake process here.

* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.