Municipal Lien Certificates

What is a municipal lien certificate?

A municipal lien certificate (MLC) is a legal document that lists all taxes, assessments, sewer, trash, water and electric charges owed on a property. These documents are usually requested by law offices in preparation of a refinance or sale of a property.

How do I get a municipal lien certificate?

A request in writing should be sent to the Collector’s Office. Each request should include the property address, map and parcel ID number for the property (which can be obtained at the Assessor’s Office) and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The fee for each certificate is $25.00. This applies to both residential and commercial properties. If a property has more than one parcel of land, a certificate must be ordered for each parcel. By law the Collector’s Office has ten days to furnish a completed MLC to the applicant. Although the certificates are usually prepared within 3 to 4 business days, depending on how involved the request is and on peak collection times in the collector’s office, we advise that you allow 10 days when making a request.