Lucas County Sheriff Logo on Uniform Arm

Sheriff’s Sales and Foreclosures

INFORMATION ABOUT SHERIFF’S SALES 

Important Notice – All Sheriff’s Sales Are Conducted Online 

Effective March 12, 2026 all Mortgage Foreclosure and Tax Foreclosure sheriff’s sales in Lucas County are conducted online through the Official Public Sheriff’s Sale Website at https://lucas.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/. 
Sheriff’s sales are no longer conducted in person. 

All prospective bidders must register online and comply with all applicable procedures, deposit requirements, and affidavit requirements prior to bidding. 

LOCATION AND FORMAT OF SALES 

Beginning December 16, 2020, the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office has conducted mortgage foreclosure sales online through the Official Public Sheriff’s Sale Website operated by RealAuction, pursuant to a contract with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services. 

Effective March 12, 2026 Tax Foreclosure Sales are also conducted online through the same platform. https://lucas.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/ 

All sheriff’s sales: 

  • Are conducted online
  • Begin at 10:00 a.m.
  • Require advance registration and deposit submission through the auction platform 

All bidders are strongly encouraged to review the procedures and requirements outlined on the Official Public Sheriff’s Sale Website prior to participating. 

AFFIDAVITS – TAX FORECLOSURE SALES ONLY 

https://www.lucascountytreasurer.org/sheriff-sales 

Delinquent Tax Affidavit Requirement 

Effective April 9, 2025, and pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 5721.19(J), any purchaser seeking to participate in a tax foreclosure sheriff’s sale must complete and submit a notarized delinquent tax affidavit. 

A bidder should not participate in a tax foreclosure sale unless the required affidavit has been properly completed and notarized. 

The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office will not transfer title to property purchased at a tax foreclosure sale until the purchaser provides a notarized affidavit affirming that: 

  • The purchaser (or any associated pass-through entity) does not own property in any Ohio county on which delinquent taxes are unpaid; or
  • Circumstances exist under R.C. 5721.19(J) permitting the purchaser to receive title notwithstanding such delinquency. 

Any person who knowingly makes a false statement in the affidavit is subject to criminal penalties under R.C. 2921.13(A)(11). 

BIDDING 

Mortgage Foreclosure Sales 

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 2329.20, bidding at a mortgage foreclosure sale generally begins at two-thirds (2/3) of the appraised value, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. 

If a residential property is not sold at the first auction, a second auction may be held pursuant to R.C. 2329.52, at which time the property may be sold to the highest bidder without regard to the minimum bid requirement, subject to all applicable costs, allowances, and real estate taxes. 

Redemption Notice: 

For residential properties sold at an auction with no minimum bid, the judgment creditor and first lienholder each retain a right of redemption for fourteen (14) days after the sale by paying the purchase price, pursuant to R.C. 2329.31. 

Tax Foreclosure Sales 

Tax foreclosure properties are sold for Delinquent taxes and costs. 

Properties designated: 

  • With an asterisk (*) have been determined to be nonproductive land and may be sold or transferred to the electing subdivision if no bid meeting statutory requirements is received.
  • With a dagger (†) have been determined to be abandoned land and are offered for sale only at the first sale date. 

Determinations regarding abandoned and nonproductive land are made by the Treasurer’s Office. 

 

BIDDING INCREMENTS 

Competitive bids for all sheriff’s sales must be made in increments of at least $25.00. 

 

DEPOSITS 

Deposit requirements are governed by Lucas County Common Pleas Court Local Rule 5.02(D)(1). 

In every sheriff’s sale of real property, upon acceptance of a bid, the successful bidder shall make a deposit as follows: 

Appraised Properties 

If the property has been appraised, the required deposit is: 

  • Five percent (5%) of the appraised value
  • Minimum deposit: $1,000.00
  • Maximum deposit: $5,000.00 

Non-Appraised Properties 

If the property has not been appraised, the required deposit is: 

  • Ten percent (10%) of the starting bid
  • Minimum deposit: $1,000.00
  • Maximum deposit: $5,000.00 

Method of Payment 

Deposits must be submitted electronically through the Sheriff’s Sale Website using approved payment methods, including debit transactions or other authorized electronic transfers, payable to the Sheriff of Lucas County, Ohio. 

If the judgment creditor is the successful bidder, no deposit is required. 

 

COMPLETING THE SALE 

In addition to the purchase price, the Sheriff’s Office is required to collect applicable fees, including but not limited to: 

  • Sheriff’s deed fee
  • Recording fees
  • Transfer fees
  • Administrative fees
  • Postage costs 

Purchasers are responsible for completing the Auditor’s conveyance form and paying any applicable conveyance fee. 

The debtor retains the right of redemption until the Court confirms the sale. Upon confirmation, the Sheriff’s Office prepares the Sheriff’s Deed and notifies the purchaser of the remaining balance due. 

The purchaser must remit the remaining balance within thirty (30) days of notification. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the deposit and possible contempt proceedings. 

 

TAKING POSSESSION 

If the property remains occupied after the deed is issued, the purchaser must obtain a Writ of Possession from the Clerk of Courts prior to eviction. Additional fees apply, and the purchaser is responsible for providing movers and a locksmith. 

Entering a property without proper legal authority may constitute criminal trespass under Ohio law and may result in criminal or civil liability. 

 

BUYER BEWARE 

Properties are sold AS IS. The Sheriff’s Office does not: 

  • Provide keys
  • Conduct interior inspections
  • Guarantee clear title 

Prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to: 

  • Review court case files
  • Conduct exterior inspections
  • Verify property status with the Auditor’s Office
  • Check demolition status and utility liens 

Taxes are paid according to the last tax bill due at the time of sale. There is no tax proration. 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

  • Complete legal descriptions are available from the Lucas County Auditor’s Office. 

https://www.lucascountyohioauditor.gov/