Multi-family lien and property tax collection program

California state law allows EBMUD to keep the water turned on for multi-family residential buildings and still collect delinquent charges.

Complete Program Details for Delinquent Charge Collection Through Liens and Property Tax Bills for Multi-Family Accounts

Please refer to the information below for specific details about the Program for Delinquent Charge Collection Through Liens and Property Tax Bills for Multi-Family Accounts, including water and wastewater charges, sewer charges, utility charges, and fees for lien filing, lien removal and property tax bill collection transfers with and without liens recorded.

The EBMUD Board of Directors passed a resolution that adopted this program under the authority of Senate Bill 1035 (Hancock) effective January 1, 2011. This new law gives EBMUD authority to place liens on residential property for delinquent charges as an alternative to terminating service in multi-family residences. Unpaid lien amounts will roll over to the appropriate property tax bill. 

This letter is part of EBMUD's announcement to property owners, customers, and residents in the EBMUD service area about the new Program for Delinquent Charge Collection Through Liens and Property Tax Bills for Multi-Family Accounts authorized by the enactment of S.B. 1035.

This program will be effective on all charges incurred on or after January 1, 2011.

Customers and owners of properties that meet the following criteria:

  • The service is provided to a master-metered multi-family property with two or more units.
  • The unpaid charges become delinquent and the delinquent charges equal $100 or more.
  • The property owner has been sent all notices required by law and/or by this program.
  • The District has conducted a hearing at which the property owner has the opportunity to present objections to the filing of a lien on his/her property.

The new charges are included in the Schedule C - Charges for Special Services under our Rate and Fees Schedule.

The EBMUD Customer and Community Services Department calculates delinquent dollar amounts for liens, files liens with the appropriate county, receives and tracks payments, releases liens when paid, and rolls unpaid delinquent charges over to the County Auditor/Tax Collector for inclusion on the appropriate property tax bills.

If you have any questions about the program or want assistance with a property currently in the collection process, please call: 510-287-0612 or by email to:  lien.program@ebmud.com