Connecticut Lien: A Complete Guide to Liens in the State

A lien is a legal claim placed by a court on a property as security for an unpaid debt or obligation. Once recorded, a lien gives creditors the power to enforce their claims. This action limits the debtor’s ability to sell or transfer their property until the debt is satisfied.

What Is a Lien in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a lien is a legal right that a creditor may enforce to secure repayment by attaching a claim to a debtor’s property. Liens may be applied to a debtor's real property (such as homes, land, or commercial buildings) or personal property (including vehicles or business assets). Once filed in the county, liens become part of the public record, alerting all buyers, lenders, and title companies.

Types of Liens in Connecticut

In Connecticut, creditors may file several types of liens, which may include:

1. Property Tax Liens - These liens are imposed by municipalities when property taxes are unpaid. Tax liens take priority, and the tax collectors may sell the property through a public auction or a tax foreclosure process.
2. Mechanic’s Liens - These are filed by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who have not been paid for construction or improvements. They must file a certificate of lien with the town clerk in the municipality (or county) where the property is located.
3. Judgment Liens - These are created when a creditor wins a court judgment and records a lien against a debtor’s property. Judgment liens may affect the sale or transfer of the debtor’s property across the state when they are properly filed.
4. Mortgage Liens - These are liens recorded by lenders when financing real estate purchases. The liens remain active until the loan is fully repaid and a release is recorded.
5. Federal Tax Liens - These are liens filed by the Department of Revenue Services for unpaid federal or state taxes. The IRS may place liens on real and personal property.

How to Search for Liens in Connecticut

Lien filings generally include creditor details, the amount owed, recording dates, and property descriptions. Under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, lien records are accessible to the public and may be accessed through the following resources:

• Town Clerk’s Offices: Connecticut maintains land and lien records at the town level. Hence, individuals may access the records at the town clerk’s office where the liens are filed.
• Online Land Record Portals: The public may access multiple town liens online through the Connecticut Town Clerk’s Portal. It must be noted that access to this portal is not free, and users may pay a fee to access the records.
• Connecticut Judicial Branch: Court records, including judgment liens, are available to the public through the state’s online case lookup system.

Lien Records in Major Connecticut Cities

Lien records in Connecticut are town-based; searches must be conducted in the municipality where the property is located. Record seekers must contact the town clerk’s office for a proper understanding of its rules for liens, fees, and procedures for document requests.

Examples of major cities include:

• Bridgeport (Fairfield County): The Bridgeport Town Clerk maintains lien and property records with an option for an online search platform.
• New Haven (New Haven County): Lien records are available for the public at the New Haven Town Clerk’s Office.
• Hartford (Hartford County): The Hartford Town Clerk manages lien filings, and anyone interested in the records may visit their office.
• Stamford (Fairfield County): Stamford’s Town Clerk provides property and lien records that are accessible to the public.
• Waterbury (New Haven County): Lien searches are conducted through the Waterbury Town Clerk’s Office.

How Long Does a Lien Stay on Property in Connecticut?

The duration of a lien in Connecticut varies from one type to another:

• Property Tax Liens: These liens remain active until the taxes are paid or the property is sold at a tax sale.
• Mechanic’s Liens: They must be filed within 90 days of completing the work and are generally valid for one year, unless they are extended by a court.
• Judgment Liens: They are valid for 20 years in the state, though enforcement actions may shorten or extend this period.
• Mortgage Liens: These liens are active until the debt is fully paid and a release is recorded.
• Tax Liens (Federal): Federal liens last 10 years for liens in the state of Connecticut.

How to Remove a Lien in Connecticut

It is risky for an individual to have a lien enforced by a creditor on their property. Debtors must pay debts and take steps to remove the lien on their property. There are a few options for removing liens, which include:

• Paying the Debt in Full: Once satisfied, the lienholder must provide a lien release that will be recorded with the town clerk.
• Negotiating a Settlement: Creditors may agree to partial repayment from the debtors, followed by recording a lien release.
• Court Action: Debtors may petition the court to remove an invalid, fraudulent, or improperly filed lien on their property.
• Recording a Release or Satisfaction: Property owners should ensure that the lienholder records the official release document with the town clerk to clear title.

Liens in Connecticut play an important role in securing creditor rights while ensuring property owners fulfill their obligations. Connecticut operates a town-based recording system rather than a county system. Therefore, individuals, property owners, and buyers must conduct searches in the correct municipality. They may also seek additional help from a local town clerk, title company, or an attorney to help them resolve lien issues promptly.