{"id":369078,"date":"2019-11-07T15:28:37","date_gmt":"2019-11-07T20:28:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/house-sold-with-a-lien-can-i-sue.html"},"modified":"2026-09-08T15:15:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T20:15:08","slug":"house-sold-with-a-lien-can-i-sue","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/house-sold-with-a-lien-can-i-sue.html","title":{"rendered":"House Sold With a Lien: Can I Sue?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">House Sold With a Lien: Can I Sue?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/hannah-hilst\/\">Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">Chris Meyers, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 08, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>Yes, you may be able to sue if you bought a house with a lien and weren&#8217;t aware of it.<\/li>\n<li>Depending on the circumstances, you may have grounds to pursue legal action against the seller, the title company, or even the lien holder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>A <span data-term-id=\"59950154\">lien on a property<\/span> can create significant problems. Because of the scale of personal investment involved, issues regarding the financial aspect of homeownership can be unnerving. This is especially true for any potential restrictive liens.<\/p>\n<p>Discovering a lien on your property can be devastating. It is essential to understand liens, how they work, and your options to resolve any issues that arise.<\/p>\n<p>This article outlines your legal options if you unknowingly buy a <span data-term-id=\"59950146\">real estate<\/span> property with a lien. You can also consult a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?keyword=Real+Estate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"59950152\">real estate<\/span><span data-term-id=\"59950152\"> attorney<\/span><\/a> for <span data-term-id=\"59950155\">legal advice<\/span> specific to your situation. An attorney can investigate whether the lien should have been discovered during the <span data-term-id=\"59950141\">title search<\/span>. They can also determine if you have grounds to <span data-term-id=\"59950158\">sue<\/span> the <span data-term-id=\"59950150\">title company<\/span> or seller for failing to disclose it.<\/p>\n<h2>What Happens if If I Buy a House With a Lien on It?<\/h2>\n<p>Generally, a <span data-term-id=\"59950141\">title search<\/span> will determine whether a property has a lien on it. It is uncommon for people to purchase property with a lien on it because property usually cannot be sold until any liens are satisfied. But liens in the name of previous owners can sometimes go unnoticed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/what-are-property-deeds.html\">in a deed<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>These situations become complicated quickly, and navigating this type of legal territory alone can be challenging. If you are having issues with liens on your property, a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"59950152\">real estate<\/span><span data-term-id=\"59950152\"> attorney<\/span> <\/a>in your area can help.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>What Is a Lien?<\/h2>\n<p>A lien is a legal right to property to secure a debt. A <span data-term-id=\"59950148\">creditor<\/span> is someone who has not been paid and may want to collect money from the <span data-term-id=\"59950160\">debtor<\/span> by claiming a share of something of value that the <span data-term-id=\"59950160\">debtor<\/span> owns. If someone is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/debt-relief\/debt-collection-laws.html\">unable to pay their debts<\/a>,\u00a0that claim on the <span data-term-id=\"59950160\">debtor<\/span>\u2019s property may become a lien. If a lien is placed on the property, the <span data-term-id=\"59950148\">creditor<\/span> may get reimbursed if the property is sold.<\/p>\n<p>Liens can be placed on all kinds of property. But they are usually placed on the most valuable items a <span data-term-id=\"59950160\">debtor<\/span> owns, like <span data-term-id=\"59950146\">real estate<\/span>, vehicles, or boats. This is because this type of property will usually cover or significantly contribute to the amount owed.<\/p>\n<h2>What Does a Lien Do?<\/h2>\n<p>Once filed, a lien limits the <span data-term-id=\"59950163\">property owner<\/span>\u2019s ability to transfer ownership of the <span data-term-id=\"59950162\">property\u2019s title<\/span>. The lien must be satisfied before the lien property is sold.<\/p>\n<p>There are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/lien.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">different <span data-term-id=\"59950145\">types of liens<\/span><\/a>. Some of the common <span data-term-id=\"59950145\">types of liens<\/span> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"59950142\">Judgment lien<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/understanding-mechanic-s-liens.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59950153\">Mechanic\u2019s lien<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"59950159\">Involuntary lien<\/span><\/li>\n<li>General lien<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Who Can Put a Lien on Your House?<\/h2>\n<p>Just as there are many <span data-term-id=\"59950145\">types of liens<\/span>, there are many types of people and institutions that can put a lien on your property. To understand who can put a lien on your property, you should be aware of both voluntary and <span data-term-id=\"59950159\">involuntary liens<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few examples of who might place a lien:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mortgage <span data-term-id=\"59950157\">lenders<\/span>:<\/strong> If you have taken out a mortgage, the <span data-term-id=\"59950148\">creditor<\/span> may have put a lien on your house <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/homebuyer-s-financial-worksheet.html\">as <span data-term-id=\"59950149\">collateral<\/span><\/a>. This <span data-term-id=\"59950151\">mortgage lien<\/span> is a <span data-term-id=\"59950147\">voluntary lien<\/span> into which the <span data-term-id=\"59950160\">debtor<\/span> has knowingly entered.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Construction companies:<\/strong> If you have failed to pay for work you have had done on your property, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/construction-developer-s-responsibilities.html\">contractor you hired<\/a> could put an <span data-term-id=\"59950159\">involuntary lien<\/span> on your property to pay for their labor and materials.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Government entities:<\/strong> If you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/what-to-expect-if-you-don-t-pay-your-taxes.html\">have not paid taxes<\/a>, the government may put an involuntary <span data-term-id=\"59950156\">tax lien<\/span> on your property to cover those unpaid taxes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Homeowners associations (HOAs):<\/strong> Unpaid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/home-owners-associations.html\">HOA dues and fees<\/a> may escalate to an <span data-term-id=\"59950159\">involuntary lien<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prevailing parties in lawsuits: <\/strong>If someone won a formal judgment in court against the previous homeowner, a <span data-term-id=\"59950142\">judgment lien<\/span> can help them <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/after-a-judgment-collecting-money.html\">collect from the losing party<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Can Someone Take My House Because of the Undisclosed Lien?<\/h2>\n<p>If the debt connected to the lien remains unpaid, it is possible for a <span data-term-id=\"59950148\">creditor<\/span> to seize the home through legal means. For example, the <span data-term-id=\"59950148\">creditor<\/span> may take steps to begin the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59950144\">foreclosure<\/span> process<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This is why new homeowners should take lien notices seriously, even if the lien wasn\u2019t disclosed during the house sale. To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/10-tips-to-avoid-foreclosure.html\">avoid a forced sale<\/a>, the new homeowner may need to pay the debt themselves. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/do-you-need-title-insurance.html\">Title insurance<\/a> may cover the related costs of undisclosed liens as included in the owner\u2019s policy.<\/p>\n<p>Even if the <span data-term-id=\"59950143\">lien holder<\/span> doesn\u2019t force a sale, the lien can make it difficult to refinance or sell the house in the future.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Isn\u2019t the Lien the Seller\u2019s Responsibility?<\/h2>\n<p>A lien is attached to property rather than the individual <span data-term-id=\"59950160\">debtor<\/span>. That means when you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/tips-for-buying-your-first-house.html\">buy a home<\/a>, you are buying everything that comes with the property, including <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/encumbrance.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">encumberances <\/a>like existing liens. Legally, the lien would still exist on the property.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, sellers can\u2019t intentionally conceal a lien to pass it off to unsuspecting buyers without consequences. Buyers may hold sellers who fail to disclose known liens responsible for deceiving them during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/problems-when-closing-on-a-house.html\">home purchase process<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Verifying an Undisclosed Lien<\/h2>\n<p>If someone claims to have a lien on your property, the first step is to check whether their claim is legitimate. Most of the time, any lien should appear in the <span data-term-id=\"59950141\">title search<\/span>, though a legitimate lien may still exist.<\/p>\n<p>Before responding or providing more information, consult an attorney about the validity of their claim. Getting another <span data-term-id=\"59950141\">title search<\/span> may be a good idea. You\u2019ll want to verify that the person claiming the lien isn\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/protect-your-home-from-foreclosure-rescue-scam-artists.html\">trying to scam you<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also possible that the person or entity genuinely believes a lien still exists due to a paperwork error. They may be seeing an outdated or incorrectly filed lien. Clearing up the documentation issue may be enough to solve the problem.<\/p>\n<p>If you discover that the lien isn\u2019t valid, the other person wouldn\u2019t have legal grounds to act on their claim. Further legal action may not be necessary. But if the claim is indeed real, it\u2019s time to discuss the potential next steps with your lawyer.<\/p>\n<h2>Concerned About a Lien? Get <span data-term-id=\"59950155\">Legal Advice<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Finding out there is a lien on your property after purchase can be unnerving at best. But you have legal options.<\/p>\n<p>You may have legal grounds to <span data-term-id=\"59950158\">sue<\/span>, especially if the lien should have been uncovered during the <span data-term-id=\"59950141\">title search<\/span> or was not disclosed by the seller. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?keyword=Real+Estate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"59950152\">real estate<\/span><span data-term-id=\"59950152\"> attorney<\/span><\/a> in your area can help protect your rights and financial investment.<\/p>\n<p>A skilled lawyer can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Review your <span data-term-id=\"59950161\">purchase documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Investigate who is responsible<\/li>\n<li>Help you pursue compensation from the seller, <span data-term-id=\"59950150\">title company<\/span>, or other liable parties<\/li>\n<li>Assist with the insurance claim process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n 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viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex 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class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                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                  name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                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      <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    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