Lien Reduction Review Program

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City of Portland property owners with liens on their properties due to code enforcement violations can request a lien reduction review. Find out if you can get a lien balance reduced. Learn more about code enforcement liens and how to apply for lien reduction review.

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The lien reduction review program applies to all property owners with code enforcement liens placed against their properties by Portland Permitting & Development for code violations. Code violations include building, housing, nuisance, zoning, signs, and more. The program allows for potential reduction of lien balances on closed enforcement cases.

Code enforcement liens

A lien is the result of a fee or fine attached to a property that is out of compliance with the City of Portland’s building, property maintenance, and/or zoning codes.
Property owners receive multiple notifications, deadlines, and waiver options before a lien is assessed.
If a property has a lien on it, it may be difficult to sell, refinance, or borrow against it.
Liens do not expire, they can remain an encumbrance on the property’s title for many years, accruing additional penalties, billing charges, and interest if not addressed by the property owner.
Once liens are paid in full, the lien is satisfied and removed from the City Lien Docket.
If a lien is not paid within 365 days of assessment, it is placed on the City of Portland’s pre-foreclosure list.

Please note:

Hard costs charges are not eligible for reduction. These include contractor abatements, demolitions, code hearing charges, and Title Reports and Auditor’s Office charges.
It can take several weeks for the lien review to be completed.
A lien reduction offer letter is mailed after the review is completed.
Payment plans of up to five years are available for property owners if they cannot pay a lien in full.

Request a lien reduction review online

If you have a lien(s) on a property with closed enforcement case(s), you may request a lien reduction review below.

In your request:

Explain any reasons or circumstances that PP&D should consider for a possible lien reduction.
Include documents like last year(s) tax forms if you qualify for low income.
Include contractor receipts showing work completion date(s) or other information that can help with the decision.

Please do not request a single lien reduction more than once, as this slows our response time.

City rules and policies regarding lien reduction review

Visit the City Auditor's website for the complete administrative rule about the lien reduction case review process.

Site address

Please provide the address where you are requesting a Lien Reduction. Begin typing to see a list of possible address matches within the Portland metro area.

City

State

ZIP Code

Lien number

Please explain any reasons or extenuating circumstances that PP&D should consider for a possible lien reduction. Please include any documentation such as last year(s) tax forms if you are low income, contractor receipts showing work completion date(s), etc., which you feel are relevant and can help with the decision-making process. If you are submitting tax forms or other related items, please remove your SSN or other sensitive information.

Please explain:

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Your contact information

Name

We will use your email to confirm your submission and respond if necessary.

Confirm email

Phone

Please provide your phone number in case we need additional information.

Check here if your mailing address is different than the site address

Mailing address

Please provide a full mailing address.

Unit Number