Thousands of Brooklyn homeowners at risk of losing properties as tax lien sale returns
The city's 2025 tax lien sale is back after its pause since 2021.
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A city program could put thousands of New Yorkers at risk of losing their homes - and many don’t even know it’s happening.
The city's 2025 tax lien sale is back after its pause since 2021.
More than 11,000 Brooklyn homes are on the list.
The sale allows the city to transfer unpaid property debt, including taxes and water bills, to private entities.
Once sold, those new lien holders can tack on steep fees or even begin foreclosure proceedings if the debt isn’t paid.
Abi Fenelon, a Bed-Stuy resident, found herself on the tax lien list after falling behind on water bills while recovering from a serious illness.
“Not only did they work it out, I don’t have to pay anything,” Fenelon said. “I’m off the lien sale for 10 years, they’ve worked out a plan!”
Another resident, Katherine Arevalo, says she was blindsided after inheriting a home when her relative passed away.
“This is just a situation where some debt happened, yes,” Arevalo said. “But it’s a shame that houses are taken away this way.”
Homeowners have until May 19 to take action.
To find out if your home is on the city's tax lien sale list, and what steps you can take, visit NYC Property Tax Lien Sale.
