Mortgage Lien Release Request

If you have been notified that you have a mortgage lien on your property from Franklin County, you must follow this process to get it released. If you are concerned or unsure, please contact our office via email.

The Mortgage Lien Release Process generally takes up to 45 days. You may be able to expedite this process by submitting a complete Lien package to our team (details below)

 

Am I in the right place?

The easiest way to know if you use the Franklin County Recorder's Search to locate your property's Mortgage Deed, and see any of the following names as the First Grantee (see photo below for reference):

  • Franklin County Board of Commissioners
  • Franklin County BOC
  • County BOC
  • County Commissioners
  • Franklin County Board
Screenshot of a Mortgage Deed's cover page that highlights the section outlining the

If your property falls into this category then please follow the steps below

Before you begin

Before requesting a lien release, gather the following information about your property, to the best of your ability:

  • Property address and description
  • Financial assistance program information or a provided promissory note
  • Mortgage deed
  • Proof of current tax payment
  • Auditor's Property Documentation
    • Use the Auditor's Property Search
    • Print the full "Summary" and "Tax and Payments" pages
      (Print full pages to PDF; no screenshots)

The Community Development team can provide help finding some or all of these items, if needed, but this will add to the processing time for your request. 

By Email

Step 1.Gather Documents

Before requesting a lien release, please gather the following information, to the best of your ability:

  • Program, property description, name, and address
  • Promissory note
  • Mortgage deed
  • Proof of current tax payment
  • Auditor's Documentation 

Step 2.Email Us

Send an email to lienprocessing@franklincountyohio.gov with all of the above documents attached as PDF or PNG files.

Write any specific questions or comments in the body of the email along with any additional contact information if you need assistance finding some of the documentation for your request.

Step 3.Wait for a reply

The Community Development Team will contact you by email or phone within 2-3 business days regarding your lien request.

If you have not heard from us after 3 business days or require time-sensitive assistance, please contact our office

By Mail

Step 1.Make Copies or Print

  • Make copies of any original documents you have
  • Print all digital information
  • Provide an email address or phone number that can be contacted regarding this request

The Community Development team is not responsible for the safety or security of any original documents, and the submission of these may result in delayed processing

Step 2.Mail to

Franklin County Community Development Team
150 S. Front St., FSL Ste. 10
Columbus, OH
43215

Step 3.Wait for a reply

The Community Development Team will contact you regarding your lien request by email or phone within 2-3 business days of receiving your packet in the mail (this may mean 7 business days after you mail in your information).

If you have not heard from us after 8 business days or require time-sensitive assistance, please contact our office

Looking for help with a different type of lien?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A lien is a legal claim on a property (such as a mortgage), and a lien release is a document that releases that claim once the loan is repaid. A lien release is required before a property can be sold.

Some housing assistance programs have rules to encourage homeowner stability. For example, downpayment assistance or rehabilitation loans require that some or all of the assistance must be repaid if a homeowner sells their property before a certain timeframe has passed.   
A subordination agreement is a legal document that establishes the priority of claims against a property, setting the order in which lenders are repaid. You may need a subordination agreement if you choose to refinance your mortgage or open a home equity line of credit (HELOC) for your home and have received county homeownership assistance.  
A Lien Release or Subordination Agreement Process generally takes up to 45 days. The requestor may be able to expedite this process by submitting a complete Request package.  

Contact Us

Email

lienprocessing@franklincountyohio.gov

Location

Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Office
150 S. Front St., FSL Ste. 10
Columbus, OH
43215
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