Legal
Surviving Liens
Debts or claims against a property that are not wiped out by a tax sale and pass to the buyer.
Tax sales generally wipe out most private liens such as mortgages, but some interests can survive. Examples can include certain government liens, easements, and some municipal or code enforcement liens, depending on the state.
Ask the county what survives and confirm with a title professional before bidding.
General information, reviewed 2026-10-12. Not legal advice. Rules change and each county publishes its own sale terms; confirm with the county before bidding.
Related terms
- Title SearchA review of public records to find who owns a property and what liens or claims affect it.
- Code ViolationA city or county finding that a property breaks building, safety, or maintenance rules.
- EasementA legal right to use someone else's land for a specific purpose, such as a road or utility line.