In the process of getting a refinance on my home, it was discovered that a Lien was placed on my property by the City of Oakland. What? You say, a lien?! Upon further research, it is discovered that the lien came from Waste Management (city garbage service). Here we go - let's see who passes the buck first...
Call Waste Management. "OH MY", they say - "... This IS unfortunate. I see here that you have a 12-year stellar bill pay history with us, but apparently 2 years ago you were one month late paying a bill. The City takes ALL late bills and begins processing them - it's just something we have NO control over - and apparently they placed the lien on your property at that time, and added the fee to your Property Taxes (which you paid a year ago...)." I say "So, the lien is still there..." "Oh yes, you have to pay them to take it OFF."
Let's call the City of Oakland, shall we?"Yes, that will be a $50 Demand letter fee, to remove the Lien, and a $10 Notary fee for the paperwork." Could someone have sent me a late bill, maybe, instead of all this?"Oh yes, you receive many notices (none of which, apparently, include stopping your service), and we give you 90 days before we place a lien" But Waste Management says the lien was placed within a month of delinquency?"Oh. Hmm. Well, it'll be a $60 fee to remove this lien."
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