Access California, Ca. Property records, title and lien search statewide

Gain access to all California CA. records online for lien, title, mortgage, and property records.

BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE:

Here is a way to navigate and find legitimate ways to access California property records online:

1. 1. County Recorder’s Offices – Each California county maintains its own online records system:
      • Search “[County Name] Recorder” or visit the county’s official .gov website
      • Most counties offer online access to recorded documents including liens, titles, and mortgages
      • Some records may require creating an account or paying a small fee
   2. California Secretary of State:
      • Visit bizfile.sos.ca.gov
      • Search for UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings and liens
      • Create an account to access detailed records
   3. Property Information:
      • County Assessor websites provide basic property information
      • Many counties use systems like U.S. Title Records
      • Check official county .gov websites for their preferred platform

   Some useful starting points:

   • Los Angeles County: lavote.gov/home/records
   • San Francisco: sfassessor.org
   • Sacramento County: assessor.saccounty.gov

   Important notes:

   • Access levels and fees vary by county
   • Some older records may only be available in person
   • You may need to verify your identity for certain searches
   • Consider working with a title company for comprehensive searches

 

Types of Real Estate Records in California

California maintains various real estate records that document property ownership, transfers, and legal status. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the most important records:

1. Property Deeds

Property deeds are legal documents that transfer ownership of real property from one party to another. California recognizes several types:

• Grant Deed: The most common deed type, transferring ownership with implied warranties
• Quitclaim Deed: Transfers whatever interest the grantor has without warranties
• Tax Deed: Transfers property sold for unpaid taxes
• Trustee’s Deed: Used in foreclosure sales

Deeds are recorded with the County Recorder’s Office in the county where the property is located.

2. Property Tax Records

California property tax records include:

• Tax Assessment Rolls: Lists all taxable properties and their assessed values
• Property Tax Bills: Annual statements of taxes due
• Tax Payment Records: History of paid property taxes
• Tax Liens: Claims against properties with unpaid taxes

These records are maintained by County Assessor’s and Tax Collector’s offices.

3. Title Records

Title records document the history of property ownership:

• Preliminary Title Reports: Show current vesting and encumbrances
• Title Insurance Policies: Protect against title defects
• Chain of Title: Historical record of all ownership transfers
• Title Abstracts: Condensed history of title transactions

4. Liens and Encumbrances

These documents represent claims against a property:

• Mechanic’s Liens: Filed by contractors for unpaid work
• Judgment Liens: Resulting from court judgments
• Tax Liens: Claims for unpaid property taxes
• HOA Liens: Claims by homeowners associations for unpaid dues
• Child Support Liens: Claims for unpaid child support

5. Mortgage Documents

Financing-related records include:

• Deeds of Trust: California’s primary security instrument for real estate loans
• Mortgage Notes: The borrower’s promise to repay a loan
• Reconveyance Deeds: Documents that remove a deed of trust after loan payoff
• Loan Modifications: Changes to original loan terms
• Notices of Default: First step in the foreclosure process

6. Easements and Restrictions

These records affect property use rights:

• Easement Agreements: Grant specific use rights to non-owners
• Conservation Easements: Restrict development for environmental protection
• CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions): Rules governing property use
• Encroachment Agreements: Document and allow minor boundary intrusions

7. Boundary and Survey Records

These documents define property boundaries:

• Parcel Maps: Official subdivision maps for smaller developments (4 or fewer parcels)
• Tract Maps: Official subdivision maps for larger developments
• Record of Survey: Detailed boundary surveys filed by licensed surveyors
• Lot Line Adjustments: Documents modifying boundaries between parcels
• Legal Descriptions: Written descriptions of property boundaries

8. Building and Development Records

These records document property improvements:

• Building Permits: Authorizations for construction, remodeling, or demolition
• Certificates of Occupancy: Documents certifying a building is safe to inhabit
• Code Violation Notices: Citations for property condition issues
• Environmental Impact Reports: Assessments of development environmental effects
• Zoning Variances: Exceptions to zoning requirements

9. HOA and Community Records

For properties in managed communities:

• HOA Bylaws: Rules governing homeowners association operations
• CC&Rs: Detailed restrictions on property use and appearance
• HOA Financial Records: Documentation of dues and expenditures
• Architectural Review Approvals: Documents approving property modifications

10. Special Designations

Records related to special property status:

• Historic Designation: Properties on historic registers
• Mills Act Contracts: Tax benefits for historic preservation
• Williamson Act Contracts: Agricultural tax benefits
• Special Assessment Districts: Areas with additional taxes for specific services

Where to Access California Real Estate Records

Most property records can be accessed through:

1. County Recorder’s Offices (deeds, liens, easements)
2. County Assessor’s Offices (tax records, parcel maps)
3. Building Departments (permits, code enforcement)
4. Planning Departments (zoning, land use)
5. Title Companies (comprehensive title reports)

Many California counties now offer online portals where the public can search and view certain real estate records, though some searches may require fees or in-person visits.