Sheriff Sales

Sheriff Sales offer the public an opportunity to purchase properties through court-ordered foreclosure auctions. In Lucas County, sheriff sales are conducted online through the Official Public Sheriff Sale Website.

There are two types of sheriff sales:

• Mortgage Foreclosure Auctions

• Tax Foreclosure Auctions

All bidders must create an account and comply with applicable registration, affidavit, deposit, and bidding requirements.

Mortgage Foreclosure Auctions

Mortgage Foreclosure Auctions are held online on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.

• Properties are available for bidding at least seven (7) days prior to the auction date.

• Pursuant to Lucas County Common Pleas Court Local Rule 5.02(D)(1), upon acceptance of a bid, the successful bidder must submit a deposit equal to five percent (5%) of the appraised value, with a minimum deposit of $1,000 and a maximum deposit of $5,000, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

• Deposits are submitted electronically through the auction platform by debit transaction, ACH, or wire, payable to the Sheriff of Lucas County.

• Bidding generally begins at two-thirds (2/3) of the appraised value, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

• If a property is not sold at the first auction, a second auction may be held in accordance with Ohio law.

Tax Foreclosure Auctions

Beginning March 12 at 10:00 AM, Tax Foreclosure Auctions are conducted online through the Official Public Sheriff Sale Website. They are held monthly, on a date scheduled by the Sheriff’s Office (almost always the second Thursday). A second sale is held two weeks after the first for properties that did not sell at the first tax foreclosure auction of the month.

• Bidders must register online at lucas.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov

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

  • Ten percent (10%) of the starting bid, with a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $5,000.

• Deposits must be submitted electronically through the auction platform by debit transaction or other approved electronic method.

• The minimum bid is the amount of delinquent taxes and costs.

• Certain parcels may be designated as nonproductive land (*) or abandoned land (†), which may affect bidding and resale eligibility.

Required Affidavit for Tax Foreclosure Purchasers

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 5721.19(J), purchasers at tax foreclosure sales must submit a notarized delinquent tax affidavit before title may be transferred and 24 hours before the auction begins.

Failure to properly complete and submit the required affidavit may delay or prevent issuance of the Sheriff’s Deed.

Failure to Complete the Sale

If the successful bidder fails to timely pay the remaining balance due, refuses to complete the purchase, or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of sale, the Sheriff’s Office may move the Court to vacate the sale. Upon order of the Court, the purchaser’s deposit may be forfeited, applied toward costs, or refunded as determined by the Court. The purchaser may also be subject to additional court action as permitted by law.

Additional Information

• All properties are sold AS IS.

• The Sheriff’s Office does not guarantee clear title.

• Street addresses are provided for reference only.

For questions regarding Tax Foreclosure Sales, please contact us here.