Long Beach Tax Lien Filing & Redemption Guide

Taxation and Finance California 5 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of California
Long Beach, California property owners and lien holders must follow both city and Los Angeles County procedures when filing, redeeming, or contesting tax and municipal liens. This guide explains who enforces liens, the typical timelines for county tax-defaulted certificates and city nuisance liens, practical action steps to redeem or contest a lien, and where to find official forms and contacts.

Overview of Tax and Municipal Liens

Two common lien types affect Long Beach properties: county tax-defaulted liens created through nonpayment of property taxes and city municipal liens placed for code enforcement, abatement, or unpaid fees. County tax lien sale and redemption procedures are governed by the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector for tax-defaulted property; municipal lien authority and recording practices are set out in the City of Long Beach municipal code and administrative procedures. [1][2]

How Filing Works

  • County tax-defaulted certificates: the County Treasurer publishes lists of tax-defaulted properties and offers tax-defaulted certificates or resale procedures; redemption is typically through the county office.
  • City municipal liens: the City places administrative liens for unpaid abatement, nuisance abatement, or service charges and records them with the County Recorder to secure city claims.
  • Recording: liens become enforceable against title when recorded; payment or release requires the claimant or paying party to obtain and record a release document.
Recordation with the County Recorder makes a municipal lien enforceable against later buyers and lenders.

Redemption and Timelines

Redemption periods and procedures differ: county tax-defaulted properties have statutory redemption windows and sale/auction processes administered by the Los Angeles County Treasurer-Tax Collector; municipal liens are redeemed by paying the outstanding amount plus administrative costs to the City and obtaining a recorded release. Where county statutes or county pages specify dates or deadlines, those control; if a specific deadline is not stated on the cited municipal page, it is noted below as "not specified on the cited page." [2]

  • County tax redemption: see the Treasurer-Tax Collector for redemption deadlines and auction dates.
  • City lien payment window: pay the billed amount plus fees to the City; if no payment is made the City may initiate further collection including referrals to the County for collection or foreclosure actions (details not specified on the cited municipal code page).

Penalties & Enforcement

The City and County use monetary and non-monetary enforcement to secure collection.

  • Monetary fines and fees: specific fine amounts for city nuisance or code violations are governed by municipal ordinance or administrative schedule; where a numeric fine or daily rate is not listed on the cited municipal page, it is "not specified on the cited page." [1]
  • County tax penalties: penalties and interest on unpaid property taxes follow state and county rules published by the Los Angeles County Treasurer-Tax Collector (see county page for exact percentages and accrual dates). [2]
  • Escalation: first notices typically precede recorded liens; repeat or continuing violations can lead to additional administrative charges, lien recording, referral to collections, or foreclosure actions (specific escalation schedules not specified on the cited municipal page).
  • Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, administrative orders to comply, permit suspensions, and civil actions are enforcement tools used by the City; seizure or foreclosure occurs primarily through county tax procedures or civil court actions.
  • Enforcer: City of Long Beach Code Enforcement Division handles municipal liens and abatement; Los Angeles County Treasurer-Tax Collector handles tax-defaulted property and related sales. Contact pages and department instructions are available in Resources below.
  • Appeals and review: municipal administrative appeal routes or hearings are set by City procedures; county tax contests follow Treasurer-Tax Collector processes. Specific appeal time limits are not fully specified on the cited municipal code page; consult the department contact for exact filing deadlines. [1][2]
  • Defences and discretion: available defences may include proof of payment, payment arrangements, or permits/variances; City staff exercise discretion under the municipal code and administrative rules (details not specified on the cited page).
If you receive a lien notice act promptly—delays can increase costs and limit appeal options.

Applications & Forms

County tax redemption forms and payment instructions are published by the Los Angeles County Treasurer-Tax Collector. The City posts forms or payment instructions for municipal liens where applicable; if no specific City form is published for a lien type, payment is made through the billing or collections office or by following instructions on the City lien notice. [2]

Action Steps

  • Identify the lien type: review the recorded document or notice to confirm whether it is a county tax-defaulted certificate or a City municipal lien.
  • Contact the enforcing office: reach City Code Enforcement for municipal liens and the Los Angeles County Treasurer-Tax Collector for tax-defaulted property to request payoff statements and redemption instructions.
  • Obtain a payoff: request an itemized payoff including principal, fees, penalties, and interest; verify amounts before payment.
  • Make payment and obtain release: pay via accepted methods, obtain a recordable release document, and record the release with the County Recorder if required.
  • Appeal if appropriate: follow the administrative appeal or protest procedures listed by the enforcing department within the required time limits.

FAQ

How do I know if a lien is a county tax lien or a city lien?
Review the recorded instrument or notice: county tax liens are associated with property tax default and reference the Treasurer-Tax Collector; municipal liens will reference the City of Long Beach and the enforcing department.
Can I get a payoff statement online?
County payoff statements are available through the Los Angeles County Treasurer-Tax Collector; City payoff instructions may be provided by the City billing or collections office or shown on the lien notice.
What if I disagree with a municipal lien?
Follow the City’s administrative appeal or hearing process; contact Code Enforcement promptly to request review and to learn deadlines.

How-To

  1. Obtain the lien document and identify the claimant and recording reference.
  2. Contact the enforcing agency to request an itemized payoff and instructions for payment or appeal.
  3. Gather supporting documents (proof of payment, permits, compliance receipts) if disputing the lien.
  4. Pay the required amount or file an appeal per department instructions, then obtain a release or hearing notice.
  5. Record the release document with the County Recorder and confirm lien removal from title records.

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly: timelines and fees grow with delay.
  • Contact official departments for recorded payoffs and appeal filing details.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Long Beach municipal code - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] Los Angeles County Treasurer-Tax Collector - Tax-Defaulted Property

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