Search RHODE ISLAND RI. Property Records Look up for Deed, Mortgage, Lien and Title Search

  • February 19, 2014
  • Posted by: admin
  • Categories: Lien And Title Search, Property Records, Property Records Search, Property Title Search, Public Property Records, Real Estate, Rhode Island, Title Reports
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Searching Rhode Island Property Records

To search for property records in Rhode Island (RI), including deeds, mortgages, liens, and title information, you’ll need to follow these steps: BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

Option 1: City/Town Clerk’s Offices

Rhode Island property records are maintained at the local level by each city or town clerk’s office.

  1. Identify the city or town where the property is located
  2. Visit the local city/town clerk’s office website or contact them directly
  3. Many towns offer online search portals, while others require in-person visits

Option 2: Online Resources

City/Town Online Record Systems

Most Rhode Island municipalities have searchable online databases:

Rhode Island Land Records Portal

Some municipalities participate in a statewide system: https://rilandrecords.com/

What You’ll Need

  • Property owner’s name
  • Property address
  • Plat and lot number (if available)
  • Approximate date of transaction (helpful but not always required)

Types of Searches Available

  • Deed records (ownership transfers)
  • Mortgage documents
  • Liens (tax, mechanic’s, etc.)
  • Easements
  • Releases
  • Title information

Tips for Effective Searching

  • Start with the most recent deed to establish current ownership
  • Work backward through the chain of title for a complete history
  • Check for encumbrances like mortgages and liens
  • Some older records may only be available in person at the clerk’s office

If you need comprehensive title information or are having difficulty with your search, you might consider hiring a title company or real estate attorney who specializes in Rhode Island property records.

 

Types of Real Estate Records Found in Rhode Island

Rhode Island maintains several important real estate records that serve different purposes in property transactions, ownership verification, and historical documentation. Here are the main types:

Deed Records

Deeds are the primary documents that transfer property ownership from one party to another. In Rhode Island, these are recorded at the city or town clerk’s office where the property is located. Types include:

  • Warranty Deeds
  • Quitclaim Deeds
  • Trustee Deeds
  • Executor’s Deeds

Mortgage Records

These documents record loans secured by real property and include:

  • Original mortgages
  • Mortgage assignments
  • Mortgage releases/satisfactions
  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)

Land Evidence Records

Rhode Island has a robust system of land evidence records that date back to colonial times. These include:

  • Original land grants
  • Plat maps
  • Property surveys
  • Boundary descriptions

Liens and Judgments

Various encumbrances that may affect property ownership:

  • Tax liens
  • Mechanic’s liens
  • Judgment liens
  • Child support liens

Vital Records Related to Property

Documents that impact property ownership based on life events:

  • Probate records
  • Marriage certificates (affecting joint ownership)
  • Death certificates (triggering property transfers)

Zoning and Land Use Records

Documents showing how property can be legally used:

  • Zoning classifications
  • Variance approvals
  • Special use permits
  • Historical designations

Tax Assessment Records

Records maintained by local tax assessors:

  • Property valuations
  • Tax bills
  • Abatements
  • Classification (residential, commercial, etc.)
Rhode Island Deed Registry System
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Rhode Island Property Records Timeline
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Access to Rhode Island Real Estate Records

Most real estate records in Rhode Island are public documents that can be accessed through:

  1. Municipal Offices: Each of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns maintains its own land evidence records
  2. Rhode Island Land Records Database: Some municipalities offer online access
  3. County Clerk’s Offices: For historical records
  4. Rhode Island State Archives: For colonial-era land grants and historical records
  5. GIS Systems: Many municipalities now offer Geographic Information Systems with property data layers

Historical Significance

Rhode Island has some of America’s oldest property records, dating back to the colony’s founding in 1636. These historical records are particularly valuable for:

  • Historical research
  • Genealogical studies
  • Property boundary disputes
  • Title research

By understanding these different types of real estate records and where to find them, property buyers, sellers, and researchers can more effectively navigate Rhode Island’s property landscape.

 

Rhode Island Counties covered by this service:

Bristol County – Bristol
Kent County – East Greenwich
Newport County – Newport Providence County – Providence
Washington County – West Kingston

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