Baltimore woman inherited her dad's house but then found a $228,000 water bill taped to her door. Now she can't sell it

Kristina Moore thought that dealing with her childhood home following her father’s death “would be the easy part.” But Moore, who discovered a lien on the home for unpaid water bills tied to the entire Baltimore housing community where her dad lived, told WBFF that “clearly, it wasn’t.”

Dealing with a parent’s debt after they die isn’t uncommon. In fact, a 2024 survey found that nearly half of U.S. adults would leave debt to their children if they suddenly died.

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But the debt Moore inherited proved shocking: a $228,000 water bill taped to the front door of her father’s home. Even worse — she says the city’s Department of Public Works (DPW) told her that “my property is responsible for this bill, and I can’t sell it until it’s paid in full.”

One water meter and a $228,000 problem

At first glance, it all seems like a big mistake. According to WBFF, the bill is a result of the Springwood Estates community, where Moore’s father lived, only operating on a single water meter for all the homes. That meter is attached to Moore’s father’s house.

Regina Johnson, the president of the Springwood Estates Homeowners Association, told WBFF that she didn’t know how the water bill got so high given the HOA collects water payments from the residents to pay it off each month.

But that’s little solace for Moore or her realtor, Lisa Ciofani, who said that they “provided the covenants and restrictions” that show the payments fall to the HOA. She added that, “I don’t understand how they can hold her liable for 37 properties.”

The Baltimore DPW didn’t reply to a request for comment by press deadline. Moneywise was unable to reach the Springwood Estates Homeowners Association.

Still, WBFF quoted a senior advisor for the Baltimore City Council president as saying that “the lien will remain in place until the full balance is paid.”

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What to do if you inherit a home with a hidden lien

While the situation with Moore’s father’s home is unique, experts note that, after inheriting a home or property, you can reach out to a county clerk’s office or title search company to confirm if any liens exist on it.

The California-based probate lawyers Keystone Law Group warns that “If fees are not paid, an HOA can place a lien on the property and, in some cases, initiate foreclosure if fees remain unpaid.” They may also prevent a sale.

If you’re unwilling, or unable, to pay the lien, some experts suggest disputing it in court or attempting to negotiate down the debt — including the ability to pay off the lien with the sale of the home. Others note that you could simply disclaim the inheritance — though some state laws can complicate that process too. As well, doing so means it passes down to the next beneficiary, which would make the lien their headache.

There’s no easy answer, which is why it’s important to consult with a legal expert.

One way to help prevent the problem, however, is to have a respectful conversation with your loved ones about their debts while they’re still alive.

It’s not necessarily an easy conversation, but it could save you some major financial grief once they’re resting in peace.

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