Van Nuys Tax Liens & Foreclosure Guide

Taxation and Finance California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of California

In Van Nuys, California property owners face two main lien risks: county tax liens for unpaid property taxes and city code-enforcement liens for violations such as dangerous buildings or nuisance properties. This guide explains who enforces these liens, how enforcement and foreclosure sales generally proceed, practical steps to stop or reduce risk, and where to find official forms and contacts.

Act early: tax and code-enforcement liens can lead to sale or additional penalties quickly.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unpaid property taxes is handled by the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector; tax-defaulted property sales and related procedures are documented on the county site[1]. City code-enforcement liens, abatements, and administrative citations are managed by Los Angeles city agencies such as the Department of Building and Safety and other code enforcement units[3]. Where exact monetary penalties, escalation schedules, or redemption timelines are required, they are not specified on the cited page(s) and require checking the linked official pages or contacting the enforcing office directly[2].

  • Fine amounts and interest rates: not specified on the cited page(s)[2].
  • Escalation: first notices, continuing penalties, and potential referral to sale or litigation are described generally; specific dollar ranges are not specified on the cited page(s)[1].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: abatements, demolition orders, property seizure for sale, and court actions may be used by enforcing agencies[3].
  • Enforcers and complaint pathways: Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector handles tax defaults; Los Angeles City Department of Building and Safety handles many city code abatements and liens[1][3].
  • Appeals and review: administrative appeal routes and hearing procedures are available but specific time limits or steps must be confirmed on the agency pages cited below[3].
Official pages list procedures and contacts, but many exact penalty figures are not listed on the same pages.

Applications & Forms

Official forms for redeeming or contesting tax-defaulted property and for responding to city abatement notices are available through county and city pages. Exact form names, numbers, fees, and submission addresses vary by case and are linked in the resources below; if a specific form or fee is needed, consult the county tax-defaulted property sales page or LADBS enforcement pages for the current documents[1][3]. If no form is published for a particular appeal, the cited page will state that or provide contact details for next steps[2].

Action Steps to Resolve Liens and Avoid Foreclosure

  • Confirm the lien type: check county tax records for tax liens and city enforcement notices for code liens.
  • Obtain official notices and demand statements from the enforcing agency; request payoff amounts in writing.
  • Pay or arrange a payment plan with the Treasurer and Tax Collector or apply for redemption procedures if available.
  • File appeals or request an administrative hearing within the time limits stated on the enforcing agency page.
  • Contact the enforcing department for exact forms, deadlines, and to confirm whether a lien can be released after compliance.

FAQ

What is the difference between a county tax lien and a city code-enforcement lien?
A county tax lien arises from unpaid property taxes enforced by the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector; a city code-enforcement lien arises from municipal code violations handled by city departments such as the Department of Building and Safety.
How do I stop a tax-defaulted property sale?
Contact the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector immediately to confirm payoff and redemption procedures; specific steps and deadlines are provided on the county tax-defaulted property sales page[1].
Who do I call about a city abatement notice in Van Nuys?
Contact the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety or the city code-enforcement unit listed on the notice; LADBS enforcement pages provide contacts and next steps[3].

How-To

  1. Gather documentation: collect tax bills, notices, property records, and any correspondence about the lien.
  2. Contact the enforcing agency: reach out to the Treasurer and Tax Collector for tax liens or LADBS for code liens to request payoff and appeal instructions.
  3. Request a written payoff or redemption statement and confirm accepted payment methods and deadlines.
  4. Submit required forms or appeals within the stated time frame and keep proof of submission.
  5. If necessary, request an administrative hearing or consult an attorney experienced in tax-defaulted property or municipal liens.

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly: early contact with the enforcing agency preserves remedies.
  • Obtain written payoff statements and retain all records of payment and submissions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector - Tax-Defaulted Property Sales
  2. [2] Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector - Delinquent Taxes
  3. [3] Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety - Enforcement

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