Tax sale glossary
Encumbrance
A claim, right or restriction affecting property, such as a lien or an easement. Its effect on a tax-sale purchase depends on the kind of interest and the governing law. Review what survives before setting a bid.
Go deeper: Liens and interests that survive a tax deed.
Sources
Statutes, court decisions and reference material used on this page. Laws and fees change, so confirm against the current source before you act.
- Title Insurance · California Department of Insurance · Checked
Related terms
- Title search
- A review of public records to identify property ownership and recorded claims, such as mortgages, liens and easements. Order the search before bidding and ask what records and dates it covers. A search does not itself provide insurance.
- Easement
- A right to use another person’s land for a stated purpose, such as access or utilities. Some easements arise without a recorded grant. Review the documents and applicable law to confirm who benefits, the permitted use and whether the right serves the parcel you plan to buy.
- Quiet title action
- A lawsuit asking a court to resolve competing claims to property title. The judgment’s effect depends on the claims, parties, notice and governing law. A successful action does not promise that every lien disappears or that an insurer will issue unrestricted coverage.
Tax Sale Atlas publishes educational information about public tax sale processes. This is not legal, financial, or investment advice. Rules, dates, and fees change; confirm with the county office before you bid.
See the term in a real sale
Open a state to watch these concepts play out in an actual sale calendar and rule set.