Utah Property Records

Utah property records document who owns a property, the financial obligations that may be attached to it, and how the property has been used in the state. These records are mainly maintained by county-level offices, such as the County Recorder's Office and the County Assessor's Office. Each office plays different roles, including recording deeds, tracking property values, and preserving documents tied to land transactions.

Utah property records are used by different individuals and professionals for varying purposes. Attorneys examine filings for legal disputes, while title companies depend on accurate records to close deals without legal complications. Similarly, while property owners rely on property records to confirm boundaries or check tax assessments, inspectors review them to better understand a property's profile before going to the site.

Property records are widely available in the state, with many counties offering easy-to-use online search resources that allow users to access records by several flexible search parameters without visiting an office. However, records are available in physical forms for individuals who prefer to visit the appropriate custodians in person, especially when searching for older records or requiring certified copies of property documents.

What Are Property Records?

Property records are public, legal documents containing detailed information about real property. They are categorized into legal documents and informational documents in Utah.

  • Legal Documents - These instruments carry legal authority, establishing and transferring property rights. They include deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Some legal property documents also place financial or legal claims against a parcel. When a property changes hands, the transaction is formalized through a recorded document, such as a deed.

  • Informational Documents - While these documents do not transfer rights, they describe and evaluate a property over time. Common examples include property tax assessments, valuation records, parcel maps, and building details. Some help in tracking property value, calculating taxes, and supporting planning decisions.

Utah property records have varying timelines, which can be broadly categorized as historical and current. Historical property records can help trace ownership back many years and are commonly preserved on microfilm or archived through the Utah State Archives. By contrast, current records show details of recent transactions, property changes, and tax data. They are updated regularly and typically available online.

Purpose of Utah Property Records

Property records serve the following purposes in Utah:

  • Property records offer lenders, buyers, and investors a reliable evaluation of a property's financial and legal standing.

  • They document ownership transfers, ensuring a clear chain of title.

  • Counties depend on accurate property records to assess and collect taxes fairly.

  • They support property appraisals by showing historical values and improvements.

Government Sources

The following local agencies are official sources of property records in Utah:

  • County Recorder's Office - This office creates property documents and ensures that every transaction is documented and publicly traceable. It records and maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and other legal filings.

  • County Assessor's Office - The Assessor's Office evaluates property tax values for taxation purposes. It maintains ownership records, maps, and fair market values for tax assessments.

  • County Treasurer - This local office handles billing and payment collection. It also manages property tax payment records.

In Utah, some older property records date back to the 1860s when the first federal office in Salt Lake City opened. While many of these records are stored in physical formats like bound volumes or microfilm, some have been digitized and are available through the Utah Division of Archives and Records Services.

On the other hand, the majority of modern records are in digital formats. Most counties in the state have official websites that allow users to look them up. These portals are updated regularly, giving near real-time, convenient access to property activity.

Online Access

Most counties in Utah provide digital access to property records through dedicated official online portals. You typically need to follow the steps below:

  • Identify the county where the property is located and determine which local agency has the records being sought.

  • Visit the County Recorder or Assessor website, depending on which office maintains the record and navigate to the official online search portal managed by the agency.

  • Choose your search method and enter the available parameter in the search field. Afterward, click the search button to query the database. Most online systems allow you to search by parcel ID, property address, or owner's name.

  • Review available records from the search result.

  • Download or request copies of documents. While you may view several records for free, certified copies or full document downloads may require a small fee.

Some Utah counties with the most resourceful property record databases are listed below:

  • Davis County

  • Salt Lake County

  • Davis County

  • Weber County

While some counties have digitized historical property record filings, many legacy records are preserved and available through the Utah State Archives. The Archives holds microfilm, scanned deeds, and other documents that may not appear in modern county portals. So, if you are researching a property's deeper timeline and require access to original land grants or early plats, consider doing so through the Archive's digital collections.

In-Person Access

Sometimes, you may need to visit a county office in person to review Utah property records, especially when you need certified copies of documents or need to find an older record, for instance, an older deed. Although looking up a record in person may be slower, you are more likely to find complete information.

The first step to accessing Utah property records in person is to identify the county where the property whose record you seek is located and determine which local office has it. After doing that, take the following steps:

  • Visit the local agency during business hours. Typically, the Recorder Offices operate on weekday schedules and provide public counters for record searches. You may contact the local office through their official phone number to confirm business hours and confirm if you have to schedule an appointment.

  • Bring as much information as possible during the visit. Be sure to have at least one of the owner's name, property address, and parcel ID, as this will help speed up the search.

  • Many local offices provide public terminals (computer stations) where you can search records directly. Take advantage of this to look up records independently on-site. While staff may guide you to the right index, they will not help you with full title searches or legal analysis.

  • Once you locate the record being sought, view it on-site or request printed or certified copies. You may have to pay a small fee for copies of documents.

To find the appropriate office, check the Utah government website for a statewide directory of County Recorder Offices through official government listings. For Assessors and Treasurer's physical offices, check the official county websites. Alternatively, the following are directories of the major local offices responsible for property records management in the state:

Commercial Sources

Consider conducting a Utah property record search through a commercial source when you need to pull information across multiple counties or want a deeper layer of insight. Some property data platforms are great alternatives to government sources, giving users access to insights that go beyond standard public filings.

Commercial record services aggregate property data from thousands of public sources and package it into a single, searchable interface. They help simplify record searches that would otherwise require visiting multiple county websites or even offices in person. In addition to convenience, many of these platforms offer speed, allowing users to search statewide within a few seconds instead of navigating separate Utah county systems.

Furthermore, these resources typically layer public records with additional datasets and insights that go beyond standard public filings. They provide details like comparable sales, ownership networks, foreclosure activity, and market trends, making property research far more efficient.

Another advantage is flexibility in how you search. While county systems may limit you to parcel numbers or exact names, some commercial platforms typically allow searches by owner name, parcel ID, address, email addresses, and phone numbers.

What Information Can You Find in Utah Property Records?

In addition to ownership details, the following are pieces of information you will retrieve in a typical Utah property records lookup:

  • Tax records

  • Deeds

  • Liens

  • Plat maps

  • Foreclosures

  • Conveyances and easements

  • Zoning information

  • Property details

  • Assessed values

  • Boundary lines

  • Building permit records

  • Mortgage/loan records

  • Land use restrictions

Instant Access to Utah Property Records

Whether you are double-checking ownership or looking up a property for potential purchase, you can retrieve Utah property records almost instantly if you know how to search. Here are the common search methods to help you pull records quickly:

  • Address - Enter a street address to view a full property profile, including ownership details, tax history, building characteristics, and recorded documents.

  • ZIP Code - Use this when you are scanning a broader area. It helps identify multiple properties within a neighborhood and is mostly used by investors to compare values or trends.

  • Owner's Name - Great for tracking portfolios or verifying ownership. You can uncover all properties tied to an individual or entity, but search results depend on how names are recorded.

  • Parcel ID - Looking up a property by its parcel number yields the most precise result, as it pulls up the specific property record.

A well-executed search returns a detailed dataset, including legal and financial information, pulled from multiple sources. Here are some of the details you will instantly retrieve by using these search methods for Utah property record searches:

  • Owner Information - Current owner name, mailing address, and sometimes ownership structure for business entities.

  • Property Characteristics - Square footage, lot size, and structural details

  • Deeds and Ownership Transfers - Recorded documents showing when and how the property changed hands

  • Property Tax Records - Assessed values, tax amounts, and payment status

  • Building Permits - Approved construction, renovations, repairs, additions, or any structural changes.

  • Loan and Mortgage Data - Lender names, loan amounts, and refinancing history

Types of Property Records in Utah

Utah property records are a collection of distinct record types, each detailing a different piece of a property's legal state, physical characteristics, and financial history.

Deeds and Conveyance Records

These are instruments that legally move ownership from one party to another. In addition to the names of a seller (grantor) and a buyer (grantee), a typical deed in Utah contains the following information:

  • A legal description of the property

  • The grantor's signature, typically notarized

  • The date of transfer

  • Consideration (purchase price)

  • Any conditions, reservations, or warranties tied to the transfer

Utah law requires that deeds meet specific standards before they can be recorded. For example, they must be in writing, include a clear legal description, and be signed by the seller (grantor). Most deeds must also be acknowledged before a notary public before filing. Additionally, they must meet formatting requirements, such as margins and legibility. Once signed and notarized, the deed must be recorded with the County Recorder's Office in the county where the property is located.

The type of deed used during a property transfer depends on the nature of the transaction and the relationship between the parties. Here are the most common types of deeds in Utah, each offering a different level of protection:

  • General Warranty Deed - This offers the highest level of protection. The grantor guarantees a clear title and agrees to defend against any past claims.

  • Special Warranty Deed - A special warranty deed limits the guarantee on title to the period during which the grantor owned the property, not its entire history.

  • Quitclaim Deed - A quitclaim deed is used to transfer whatever interest the grantor may have to the grantee without any warranties. It is commonly used between family members or to clear title issues.

  • Personal Representative's Deed - It is commonly used in probate situations to transfer property from an estate to heirs or buyers.

  • Trustee's Deed - This is common in foreclosure or trust-related transfers, where a trustee conveys the property on behalf of another party.

Property Tax Records

Property tax records document the financial framework of real estate ownership, including the property's worth, how much is owed to the county each year, and whether the property owner has met those obligations. Typical property records in Utah contain information such as assessed and market values, exemptions, annual tax amounts, and payment status. These records help buyers, appraisers, and investors to compare properties, measure affordability, and anticipate future costs.

Utah ranks among the states with the lowest property tax rates. On average, the effective rate is approximately 0.48% of a property's market value, but the exact rate varies by county, local levies, and school district. Property values are assessed annually by county assessors, with oversight and standardization from the Utah State Tax Commission. Once assessed, the County Treasurer issues a tax notice with payments due by November 30.

The responsibility for paying property taxes in the state falls on the property owner and should be paid on January 1 of the tax year. However, for financed purchases, mortgage lenders collect taxes through escrow accounts and pay them on behalf of the owner. If a property owner fails in their obligation to pay their taxes, the county will place a tax lien against the property. Over time, continued delinquency can lead to penalties, interest, and eventually a tax sale process.

Property Liens and Encumbrances

Liens and encumbrances dictate how a property owner uses their property. In Utah, these records typically appear alongside deeds and tax data. They reveal hidden risks, outstanding debts, and potential legal complications that can influence the value and usability of a property. While they are commonly used together, liens and encumbrances serve distinct purposes.

An encumbrance is any legal claim or restriction tied to a property. It includes non-financial restrictions, such as easements or use limitations, which may impact how the property is developed or accessed, as well as a financial claim, such as a lien.

On the other hand, a lien is a specific type of encumbrance that secures a debt. A property with unresolved liens cannot typically be sold or refinanced without addressing those claims first. Generally, liens must be paid off or formally released before a clean transfer of title can take place.

Liens are broadly classified as voluntary and involuntary in Utah:

  • Voluntary Liens - These are created with the property owner's agreement as part of financing arrangements. Mortgage liens are the most common type, in which the lender places a lien on a financed property as collateral.

  • Involuntary Liens - Involuntary liens are imposed without the owner's consent, typically due to unpaid obligations or because of a legal action. Here are the most frequently filed involuntary liens in Utah:

    • Mechanic's Liens - Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who have not been paid for work performed on the property.

    • Tax Liens - Tax liens are issued by designated government authorities when property taxes go unpaid.

    • Judgment Liens - A judgment lien is the lien filed by a creditor to whom the court awards a financial judgment against the property owner.

Easements and Covenants

Easements and covenants document the right of who else gets to use land apart from the owner and under what conditions. In Utah, these rights shape how a property can be accessed, developed, or used. While they both document rights and dictate how land is used, easements and covenants differ slightly.

An easement grants a third party the legal right to use a portion of another person's or entity's property for a specific purpose, limiting how the owner can use that portion of land. In Utah, these rights are typically recorded with the County Recorder's Office and remain attached to the property, not the owner. Common examples are listed below:

  • Utility Easements - Allow utility companies to install and maintain power lines, water pipes, or sewer systems.

  • Drainage Easements - Allow water runoff systems to pass through a property.

  • Access Easements - Provide a neighboring property owner the right to cross land for driveway or road access.

On the other hand, covenants set rules for how a property can be used. Many of these rules are established by homeowners' associations and developers. Also called restrictive covenants, they define boundaries on behavior and development. Covenants become legally binding once recorded. Typical examples in Utah include the following regulations and standards:

  • Architectural Controls - Requirements for building style, materials, or design approval.

  • Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules - Community-specific guidelines that property owners must follow.

  • Land Use Restrictions - Limits on the kind of commercial activity that can take place in residential areas.

  • Maintenance Standards - Specific rules about landscaping, fencing, or exterior upkeep.

Plats and Surveys

Plats and surveys are visual maps that define property boundaries, features, and dimensions. They show where a property begins, ends, and what surrounds it. Even though they are mostly mentioned together, they serve different purposes.

A plat map shows how a larger piece of land has been divided into smaller lots. They plan out the framework of a subdivision or neighborhood and are typically filed with the County Recorder's Office in Utah. Plats are usually of great help when evaluating multiple properties in the same area. In a typical plat map, you will find information such as lot numbers, block numbers, dimensions, easements, parks, roads, sidewalks, approximate boundaries, street layouts, and access points.

By contrast, a survey is a precise measurement of a specific property, conducted by a licensed surveyor that defines the exact boundary lines of that property. It is generally used during construction projects, real estate transactions, or in boundary disputes. Only a survey can confirm if a fence that appears to define a boundary is the actual boundary between two properties. Typical survey reports in Utah include the following:

  • Boundary markers and corner points

  • Lot size or total acreage

  • Coordinate-based descriptions

  • Existing structures and their placement

  • Encroachments

Building Permits and Regulations

Building permit records document and track every addition, remodel, repair, and structural change made to a property. Generally maintained at the city or county level, they determine if a property was approved and whether it meets local standards. Depending on the project, a typical permit record in Utah will show the following:

  • Type of project

  • Dates of issuance and completion

  • Inspection results and final approvals

  • Contractor information

  • Approved plans and scope of work

Unpermitted work can create complications during a sale, affect property value, or even lead to fines and required corrections. Reviewing permit records can reveal upgrades, additions, or potential red flags. While an added structure or finished basement may appear appealing, it raises questions about compliance and quality without a permit trail.

While the exact issuance process varies slightly by municipality, the general steps required to obtain a building permit in Utah are listed below:

  • Submit detailed plans of the proposed work to the local building department.

  • Once submitted, officials of the local building department review the application to ensure it complies with zoning laws, building codes, and safety regulations.

  • If the plans comply with local and state codes, the department will approve them and then issue a permit after paying the applicable permit fees.

  • Schedule necessary inspections at key stages as the project progresses, during which inspectors will visit the site to verify compliance with approved plans and codes.

  • After completion, the inspector will sign off during their final inspection to confirm the work meets all requirements before the project is officially closed.

Property Descriptions and Boundaries

A street address does not define the land in legal terms. What does work is the property description, which pins a parcel to its exact boundaries. A legal description is a precise, standardized way of identifying a parcel of land. In Utah, you will find legal descriptions in deeds, surveys, and any other recorded documents filed with the County Recorder's Office.

Here are common methods of property descriptions used in official property records in Utah:

  • Metes and Bounds - This method traces the perimeter of a property using distances, angles, and directional calls. It often references survey points or physical markers and is commonly used for irregular parcels.

  • Public Land Survey System - This method divides land into townships, ranges, and sections. It is common in undeveloped or rural areas, where land is described by grid-based coordinates.

  • Plat-Based Description Method - In many subdivisions in Utah, properties are identified by lot and block numbers tied to a recorded plat map. This system is commonly used to describe properties in residential neighborhoods.

In addition to defining land or property in legal terms, legal property descriptions are used in various other ways in Utah, including the following:

  • Construction Projects - Building engineers rely on accurate boundaries to avoid encroaching on neighboring land or violating setback rules when working on new projects.

  • Utility Installation - Utility companies use recorded easements and boundaries to determine where lines and infrastructure can be placed on land.

  • Boundary Disputes - When neighboring property owners disagree, legal descriptions and surveys provide the evidence needed to resolve such conflicts.

Foreclosures

Foreclosure records are public records documenting the legal process by which a lender repossesses a real property due to the borrower's failure to pay what is owed. In Utah, these records are typically found in the County Recorder's Office and may include lis pendens, notice of default, trustee sale documents, and real estate owned (REO) filings.

A foreclosure is the legal process through which a lender repossesses a property after a borrower defaults on their loan. Utah uses a non-judicial foreclosure process, meaning the lender can proceed without going through a full court case, provided the deed of trust includes a power of sale clause. However, before full foreclosure, properties typically go through the pre-foreclosure stage.

The pre-foreclosure phase begins when the borrower falls behind on payments, and a notice of default is issued. This stage gives the property owner a chance to resolve their debt. Other options include refinancing or the outright sale of the property to avoid foreclosure. Where the owner is unable to resolve the debt, the process advances, and a trustee's sale is scheduled, where the property is auctioned to the highest bidder. If it does not sell at the auction, it may become bank-owned (REO) property.

Foreclosures represent a different kind of entry point into the Utah real estate market, which typically comes with reduced prices. Potential opportunities for real estate investors include the following:

  • Less Competition - Sometimes, foreclosure stages, like auctions, attract fewer traditional buyers, making it less competitive for real estate investors.

  • Below-Market Pricing - Properties in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure are usually sold at a discount to enable lenders to recover outstanding debt quickly.

  • Value-Add Potential - Many distressed properties can be improved and resold (fix-and-flip) or rented for profit.

Understanding Property Ownership in Utah

Property ownership in Utah is an elaborate record of transfers, rights, and legal protections that unfold over time.

Ownership History Records

Every property in Utah has a timeline that traces who owned it, how it ever changed hands, and under what circumstances it moved among those who ever owned it. This timeline is documented by ownership records and typically built from recorded documents like deeds. Ownership records generally show the following information:

  • Names of past and current owners

  • Dates of each transfer

  • References to related documents, such as liens, mortgages, and releases

  • Recorded sale prices

  • Type of transfer

In addition to traditional sales, property records also document other less conventional transfers that leave a distinct trail in ownership records and may affect how the property is valued or financed in the future. They include the following:

  • Inheritance - Property that passes through estates is recorded via probate filings or a personal representative's deed

  • Gifts - Ownership transferred without payment, especially between family members

  • Divorce Settlements - Property reassigned to a party as part of legal agreements following divorce proceedings

In real estate transactions, ownership records can highlight potential title issues, uncover patterns of refinancing or distress, and provide context for pricing and negotiation. Here is how you can track a property ownership timeline in Utah:

  • Use the County Recorder's or Assessor's search portal to locate the most recent record linked to the property.

  • Find the latest deed to identify the current owner.

  • Work backward through recorded documents, including the deed. Each one typically points to the previous one, allowing you to trace ownership step by step.

  • Review other supporting records, such as mortgage filings, lien releases, and tax records. This can help confirm timelines and fill in gaps.

What Is the Chain of Title?

This is a continuous record of ownership stretching from the current owner back through every previous transfer of the same property. In Utah, this chain is created from recorded documents, especially deeds. Before finalizing a real estate transaction, be sure to verify that the chain of title is intact. An intact chain of title confirms that each transfer was valid and that ownership passed correctly from one party to the next.

Conducting a title search can help you confirm if the chain is intact. A title search pulls detailed information from public records to confirm that there are no undisclosed liens or claims in the chain and whether the current owner can legally sell the property. Additionally, it will reveal if past transfers were properly executed and recorded. Any missing, disputed, or unclear link in the chain clouds it and can have serious consequences.

Therefore, be sure to confirm whether a property has title insurance before purchasing it or get one before a sale closes. Even with a thorough search, some risks can remain undetected. Title insurance protects buyers and lenders from financial loss if a hidden issue in the chain of title arises after a transaction is complete.

An uninterrupted chain of title in Utah is essential in several areas of property transactions. For buyers, a clear chain of title means confidence that the seller has the right to sell the property. Additionally, it is one of the lenders' prerequisites for issuing a mortgage while also providing a documented defense against competing claims.

Buying and Selling Property in Utah

Reliable property records are the foundation of real estate transactions in Utah. Before a contract is signed or money is paid, sellers and buyers typically review public filings to confirm the legal, structural, and financial status of the property. Property records help facilitate real estate transactions in the following ways:

  • Ownership Verification - Deeds help to confirm that the seller has the legal right to transfer the property.

  • Title Review - Recorded liens, easements, or encumbrances are identified and addressed before closing.

  • Valuation Support - Assessed values and past sales help determine whether the asking price aligns with the market

  • Financing Checks - Lenders rely on recorded data to evaluate risk before approving a mortgage loan.

Reviewing the following records and parameters before concluding a property purchase in Utah will provide insight into the property and help you decide whether to move forward with the transaction:

  • Property Taxes - Current tax amounts, payment status, and any delinquencies

  • Fair Market Value - Comparable sales and assessment data to validate pricing

  • Building Permit Records - Proof of renovations, additions, or potential unpermitted work

  • Liens and Encumbrances - Outstanding debts or restrictions that could affect ownership of the property

Disclosure Requirements for Sellers in Utah

Utah law requires sellers to disclose known material defects that buyers could not have discovered during inspection. While the state operates under caveat emptor (buyer beware), sellers still have a legal duty to disclose the following defects that could significantly alter a buyer's decision to purchase or affect the property value:

  • Cracking foundation, leaking roof, hidden behind drywall, or intermittent sewer backup

  • HVAC, plumbing, or electrical issues

  • Flooding history or mold

  • Paranormal activity or hauntings

  • Lead-based paint

  • Methamphetamine

  • Unpaid homeowners' association assessments and fees

  • A death or suicide on the property

  • Previous occupancy by someone with HIV/AIDS, although protected by federal law

  • Proximity to military facilities

Why Property Values Are Important

Property value influences taxes and shapes lending decisions in Utah and is typically determined by assessments and appraisals.

  • Assessment - This determines a property's assessed value, which is assigned by the County Assessor for tax purposes. It is determined based on market conditions, property characteristics, and mass appraisal methods used across many properties at once.

  • Appraisal - Appraisals determine appraised value, which commonly plays a vital role during property sale or refinancing. They are conducted by licensed appraisers. Appraisals are property-specific and consider comparable sales, condition, location, and recent upgrades in detail.

In Utah, property values play crucial roles in real estate transactions, taxation, and mortgages. Property taxes are directly tied to assessed value. The higher the assessment, the higher the tax obligation, subject to local rates and exemptions. In real estate transactions, property values help facilitate negotiation between buyers and sellers. Similarly, lenders rely on appraised value to make informed decisions when financing a property.

Managing Property Records: Updates and Corrections

When something changes in a property record, the property owner or their representative must ensure the public record reflects reality. Common reasons to update or correct these records in Utah include incorrect legal descriptions, recording errors, a misspelled name, or life events such as marriage, divorce, and the death of the property owner.

While minor clerical errors may be resolved administratively, you need to take the following steps to correct any error affecting legal description or ownership:

  • Determine whether the mistake is in a recorded document or in assessor data.

  • Contact the appropriate local office. The County Recorder's Office handles recorded document errors, while the Assessor's Office handles property detail or valuation errors.

  • Submit a corrective document, which may be a corrective deed or affidavit that clarifies the original record.

  • Pay applicable recording fees.

Here is how to request updates for major life events:

  • Marriage - Update title records through a new deed or affidavit.

  • Divorce - Transfer property to the other spouse using a quitclaim deed. This must reflect the terms of a divorce decree.

  • Death of the Property Owner - Ownership transfers through probate or trust administration. The deceased representative must record a personal representative's deed or affidavit to update the title.

Designated Offices for Property Records Update in Utah

  • County Recorder's Office - Maintains and records legal documents that update ownership

  • County Assessor - Updates ownership names for tax purposes and adjusts property characteristics

  • District Courts - Oversees probate cases, divorce decrees, and legal judgments that may cause record changes

The Role of Local Government and Courts

The management responsibility of property records in Utah is shared among the following agencies:

  • County Recorder's Office - Records and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats.

  • County Assessor's Office - Determines property value for taxation and maintains parcel-level details such as size, use, and improvements.

  • County Treasurer's Office - Once taxes are assessed, the Treasurer issues bills, collects payments, and tracks delinquencies tied to each property.

  • Zoning and Planning Departments - Local planning departments regulate land use and ensure property compliance with zoning codes.

  • City or County Building Departments - They issue building permits, review construction plans, and conduct inspections.

  • District Courts - Handle probate, foreclosures, or ownership disputes. They keep records of court rulings and filings that can directly impact property records and ownership rights.

How to Ensure Data Privacy for Property Records

Most Utah property records are accessible to anyone under the state's Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). In other words, members of the public can view owner names, deeds, mortgage filings, property addresses, tax assessments, and legal descriptions. However, there are limits.

Sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and certain personal identifiers are typically not disclosed. Hence, they do not appear in public records. To prevent data misuse and reduce your exposure to fraud that thrives on publicly available information in public records, do the following:

  • Instead of using your home address, list a business or mailing address on public documents, including property-related filings.

  • Avoid including unnecessary personal details when filing documents unless required.

  • Review recorded documents regularly to ensure no sensitive information has been unintentionally included and to ensure there are no unauthorized recordings on your property records.

  • Monitor for unusual activity by enrolling in a title monitoring service.

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