Can I put a lien on a rental property for an unpaid car loan if the person doesn’t own the property?
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Can I put a lien on a rental property for an unpaid car loan if the person doesn’t own the property?
When I got divorced my partner was allowed to keep his vehicle provided hes got the loan
refinanced and he was to make payments on the loan while he had it in my name, he made no payments and did not get it refinanced and the vehicle is being repossessed and put on my credit, am I allowed to put a lien on his rental property which he rents from my parents for the past due amount of the loan? If not on his rental property can I put a lien on anything?
Asked on December 11, 2017 under Business Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
No, you may NOT put a lien on person B's property (e.g. his parents) for something person A (e.g. your partner) owes you: you can lien (or attach, execute on, garnish, etc.) something someone *owns*, not something they rent. If you know where his bank account is, you can go after the money in the account; if he owns valuable personal property (e.g. an expensive TV or gaming or sound system; fine watches or jewlery; etc.), you can try to go after it; if you know where he works, you can try to garnish his wages--but it has to be *his*, not someone else's.
Also, you first have to sue him for the money he owes you (such as for violating his agreement about refinancing the loan) and get a court judgment against him (an order that he must pay you money due to his breach or other wrongful act) before you can do any of the above; a private citizen may not seize or garnish another person's assets or income without a judgment in her favor.
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