What must an owner do if a tax sale is found to be defective?

When a tax sale is found to be defective, the owner is required to convey title to the claimant. This process ensures that the rightful claimant, often the purchaser of the tax lien or the property, receives the title to the property in question. A defective tax sale can arise due to various issues, such as improper notifications or errors in the sale process, which undermine the legality of the tax sale.

By conveying the title to the claimant, the owner effectively addresses the defect in the sale and rectifies the situation, ensuring that the claimant's rights are recognized and upheld. This procedure is part of maintaining proper property ownership records and clarifying titles, which are essential in real estate transactions.

The other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not address the specific legal requirements associated with a defective tax sale. Filing for bankruptcy does not resolve the issues stemming from the tax sale. Negotiating with the municipality may be an option but does not directly address the defective sale itself. Paying off the debt may not resolve the title conveyance issue if the sale is determined to be legally defective. Hence, conveying title to the claimant is the appropriate action to take.