Municipal Lien Certificates
How do I pay for a Municipal Lien Certificate?
You may pay with cash, money order, or with a check made out to the City of Melrose. Credit cards, debit cards and third party checks will not be accepted. If you are requesting an MLC through the mail also send a self addressed stamped envelope in order to have the certificate returned to you.
How much do I pay for a Municipal Lien Certificate?
Residential certificate: $25.00
Commercial certificate: $150.00
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 60 § 23B Certificate of liens; Fee schedule
In any city or town accepting the provisions of this section, the collector of taxes shall furnish a certificate of liens as provided in section twenty-three according to the following fee schedule: for land of less than one acre upon which there is no permanent structure, a fee of $25.00; for land upon which is situated no more than a single family residence and outbuildings, a fee of $25.00; for land upon which is situated no more than a two family residence and outbuildings, a fee of $25.00; for land upon which is situated no more than a three family residence with outbuildings, a fee of $25.00; for land upon which is situated a residence of four or more families, a fee of $150.00; for land upon which is situated a commercial, industrial, or public utility structure, a fee of one hundred and fifty dollars; for farms, forest land, and all other real property, a fee of fifty dollars. In no case shall the fee exceed one half of one percent of the assessed value of the real estate and the money so received shall be paid into the town treasury.
- Added by St. 1987, c. 306, § 23B
How soon may I receive my certificate?
The Collector’s Office will process the lien certificate as soon as possible; however, under Chapter 60 § 23 of the Massachusetts General Laws the collector has 10 working days to produce the certificate.
How much do I pay for a betterment release?
The fee is $4.00. You may pay with cash, money order, or with a check made out to the City of Melrose. Credit cards, debit cards and third party checks will not be accepted.
When you request a betterment release you will need to supply the Collector’s Office with the book and page on which the betterment was recorded.