City Announces Multi-Agency Outreach Initiative to Assist Vulnerable Homeowners in Addressing Property Tax Debt

Following the passage of historic reforms to the lien sale process, the Adams administration and City Council are launching a community-focused outreach initiative to alleviate financial hardship and promote housing stability for at-risk owners.

NEW YORK – New York City Department of Finance Commissioner Preston Niblack today announced a series of upcoming outreach events designed to support and inform owners who receive notice that they are at risk of having liens sold on their properties. These events, held in partnership with multiple city agencies, the City Council, and nonprofit organizations, will provide owners with critical information, resources, and customized assistance for navigating financial challenges and resolving outstanding property taxes, water and sewer fees, and other property-related charges.

“This collaborative, multi-agency outreach initiative underscores the City’s commitment to protecting vulnerable homeowners while upholding an effective enforcement mechanism that ensures accountability,” said Department of Finance Commissioner Preston Niblack. “Our approach is rooted in fairness and compassion, recognizing the diverse circumstances homeowners face. We strongly encourage at-risk property owners to take advantage of our collective resources by attending an outreach event, where they can access available relief programs, payment plans, and legal aid, empowering them to make informed decisions and better navigate the processes that we have established to help resolve their debt.”

 “The lien sale is necessary to keep our water system and infrastructure funded for the future. Unpaid bills force everyone else to pay higher rates, and that’s simply not fair—everyone must pay their fair share, said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “I urge vulnerable homeowners in need of assistance to take advantage of the City’s outreach events and resources so that they can resolve their debts.”

“We are proud to partner with the Department of Finance to conduct proactive outreach that helps New Yorkers stay in their homes,” said Adrienne Lever, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU). “Through in-person engagement and phone outreach campaigns, PEU will work to ensure that at-risk homeowners receive the information and resources they need. This type of direct engagement and interagency collaboration is critical, especially as so many families navigate economic hardships.”

“Rising costs aren’t just affecting New York City’s renters—low-income homeowners are under immense pressure right now, and no New Yorker should lose their home and be displaced because of unpaid property taxes. The City and City Council are taking important steps to protect homeowners from the tax lien sale, including expanded options for resolving debt and enhanced outreach efforts to make sure every New Yorker at risk has the critical opportunity to protect their homes from foreclosure,” said Christie Peale, CEO and Executive Director of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods. “The Center and its citywide network of partner organizations are committed to working with DOF, DEP, HPD, elected officials, and community leaders to ensure that every homeowner has access to free resources and personalized assistance to keep families in the communities that they have invested in for years.”

Last year, the Adams administration and City Council passed historic reforms to the city’s property tax enforcement system with the Home Preservation and Debt Resolution Reform Act. These changes introduced measures such as the new Easy Exit Program, which offers more time for homeowners to address their debts, along with affordable payment plans and stronger protections for tenants.

To help reach more vulnerable homeowners in their communities, the Adams administration and Council are committing resources from multiple city agencies and partnering with the Center for New York City Neighborhoods to launch a comprehensive, community-focused outreach initiative. These outreach efforts include evening hours (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) at Department of Finance business centers and partnering with city and state elected officials to host events in their districts. At these events, homeowners can receive assistance and guidance from the Department of Finance, Department of Environmental Protection, and the Center for New York City Neighborhoods and its network partners.

As part of this initiative, the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit will share critical information with potentially impacted homeowners through in-person and phone outreach campaigns. PEU’s specialists will provide direct, one-on-one assistance to help homeowners understand their options, enroll in property tax exemption programs, and access other resources that may help them avoid a lien sale. Through these outreach efforts, PEU will work to ensure that eligible New Yorkers—especially seniors and homeowners with disabilities—receive the guidance they need to protect their homes and maintain long-term stability. If you are a New Yorker with a disability or are over age 65, call the PEU team at 929-252-7242 for personalized assistance that could save your home.

Visit www.nyc.gov/liensale to find more events near you and to learn more about the options that are available to resolve your debt.

Department of Finance Business Center Evening Hours

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