Search District of Columbia property records and title search | Lien, mortgage and deed records

  • December 14, 2018
  • Posted by: admin
  • Categories: District Of Columbia County DC, Posts, Real Estate Post, Title Search, Washington DC. Title Search
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Searching Washington DC Property Records and Title Information

To search Washington DC property records, liens, mortgages, and deed records, you’ll need to use the Recorder of Deeds office resources. Here’s a comprehensive guide: Begin Search Here

Main Resources

  1. DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) – Property information database
    • Visit: MyTax.DC.gov
    • Click “Real Property Tax Database” to search by address, owner name, or square/lot
  2. DC Recorder of Deeds – Official registry for property records

Step-by-Step Process

Basic Property Information Search

  1. Go to MyTax.DC.gov
  2. Select “Real Property Tax Database”
  3. Search by address, owner name, or square/lot number
  4. View basic property details, assessment history, and tax information

Title Search and Document Retrieval

  1. Visit the Recorder of Deeds website
  2. Create an account if conducting multiple searches
  3. Use the “Land Records” search function
  4. Search by property address, owner name, or legal description
  5. Review the document index showing liens, mortgages, deeds, etc.
  6. Pay applicable fees to access full documents (typically $2-7 per document)

In-Person Research Option

  • Visit the Recorder of Deeds office at 1101 4th Street SW, Washington, DC
  • Bring property information (address or square/lot number)
  • Staff can assist with accessing physical or digital records
  • Operating hours are typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Types of Records Available

  • Property deeds and transfers
  • Mortgage documents
  • Tax liens
  • Mechanic’s liens
  • Easements and covenants
  • Judgments affecting property
  • UCC filings
  • Historic property records

For a complete title search, you’ll want to review the entire chain of title back several decades to identify any potential issues.

Professional Assistance

For complex searches or legal assurance, consider hiring:

  • A title company
  • A real estate attorney
  • A professional title searcher

These professionals can provide title insurance and legal guidance on any issues discovered.

Real Estate Records in the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia maintains various real estate records that are essential for property transactions, legal purposes, and historical research. Here’s an overview of the key types:

Property Deeds

Property deeds are the most fundamental real estate records, documenting the transfer of ownership from one party to another. In DC, these are filed with the Recorder of Deeds Office.

Tax Records

Property tax records contain information about the assessed value of properties, tax payments, and any tax liens. The Office of Tax and Revenue maintains these records in DC.

Land Records

These include surveys, plats, and subdivision records that show property boundaries, dimensions, and geographical features. The Office of the Surveyor maintains these critical documents.

Title Records

Title records establish the chain of ownership for a property and identify any claims, liens, or encumbrances. These are crucial during real estate transactions to ensure clear ownership.

Building Permits

Building permits document approved construction, renovation, and demolition projects. These records provide details about structural changes to properties over time.

Historic Preservation Records

DC has many historic districts and landmarks with special preservation requirements. These records document historically significant properties and any restrictions on their modification.

Zoning Records

Zoning records outline land use regulations, building height restrictions, and density allowances. These are managed by the DC Office of Zoning and determine how properties can be used.

Mortgage and Lien Records

These documents record financial claims against properties, including mortgages, home equity loans, tax liens, and mechanic’s liens.

Public records available for the District of Columbia County DC.