§ 42–3531.15. Liens.

(a) The amount for which an owner has been found liable, including any other charges, costs, penalties, and interest, shall be a continuing and perpetual lien in favor of the District upon all real and personal property belonging to the person named in the notice and shall have the same force and effect as a lien created by judgment. Interest shall accrue as provided in subsection (f) of this section.

(b) The lien shall attach to all property belonging to the owner during the period of the lien, including any property acquired by the owner after the lien arises.

(c) The lien shall have priority over any other lien, except a lien for District taxes and District water charges; provided, that the lien shall not be valid as against any bona fide purchaser, or holder of a security interest, mechanic's lien, or other such creditor interested in the property, without notice, until notice of the lien is filed with the Recorder of Deeds. The lien shall be satisfied by payment of the amount of the lien to the agency that issued the notice.

(d) For reasonable cause shown, the Chief may abate the amount owed by the owner pursuant to this chapter.

(e)(1) As additional means for collection, the Chief may enforce payment of the fines, expenses, costs, penalties, interest, or other charges imposed against the real property in the same manner and under the same conditions that real property tax liens are enforced pursuant to Chapter 13A of Title 47.

(2) Proceeds collected from a sale pursuant to Chapter 13A of Title 47 shall be credited to the Emergency Housing and Relocation Assistance Fund established by § 42-3531.16.

(f) Interest on an amount due pursuant to this section shall be at the rate of 1 1/2% per month, and shall be prorated if interest is owed for a portion of a month.