HOA Lien Release Letter
· Updated
Fill in the highlighted fields to create an HOA release letter confirming that a lien or claim has been satisfied. Click any field to type your details, then copy the letter. A lien recorded with the county usually needs a separate recorded release, so check your local requirements.
[Date]
To: [Owner Name]
[Owner Address]
Re: Release of lien or claim, [Property Address]
[Association Name] confirms that it received payment of $[Payment Amount] on [Payment Date], which satisfies the following in full: [Satisfied Items, for example "the assessment lien recorded on X, plus interest, late fees and collection costs"].
Reference: lien recorded [Recording Date] as document number [Recording Number] in [Recording Office].
The association releases its claim of lien for the amounts listed above. It will [Release Action, for example "sign and record a release of lien with the county by X date"] at [Who Pays Recording Fee].
This letter does not release amounts that accrue or become due after [Cutoff Date].
[Signer Name]
[Signer Title], [Association Name]
[Date Signed]
What this letter does
A release letter tells the owner, and anyone who needs proof such as a title company, that the association no longer claims the amount covered by a lien after payment.
What to include
- The payment and the items it satisfies.
- The recording information of the lien, if one was recorded.
- A statement that the claim is released as to those items.
- How and when a formal release will be recorded.
- A statement that later charges are not covered.
A letter may not be enough
If a lien was recorded in the land records, a release is usually recorded in the same place to clear the title. State law may set a deadline for the association to release a lien after payment, and some states penalize delay. Check yours. See how HOA liens work.
Owner tips
Pay by a traceable method, get a payoff figure first, and ask for the release in writing. When you plan to sell, confirm the release before closing. See the estoppel letter.
Related letters
The notices that precede a lien include the delinquent dues letter and pre-lien letter. An owner who disputes the amount behind a lien can send an HOA dispute letter before paying, and the closing letter shows what remains due at a sale.
Common questions
Who records the release?
Usually the association or its attorney, sometimes at the owner's expense. Confirm in writing.
How long does it take to clear?
It depends on the county and the association. Ask for a timeline.
This page gives general information and sample wording. It is not legal advice, and requirements differ by state and by association.