California Property Records

Not only does California have some of the most expensive homes in America, but it's also the third-largest state in the U.S. and the avocado capital of the world!

California is a highly populated state, with 39.24 million residents as of 2021. That means a lot of property records. Property records deal with the sale and purchase of real property and taxes, foreclosures, deeds, liens, and everything else that affects a piece of property.

Property records are public records; therefore, everyone has access to them. These California public records can affect your credit and your ability to obtain loans, sell or purchase real estate.

This guide will walk you through all the different types of property records, what they are used for, how they impact you as the property owner, and more.

What Are Property Records in California?

Property records in California are public documents describing a real property's current state and historical status. For example, they may include deeds that prove property ownership and other records that show the property's entire ownership history.

CA property records are under the Assessor's Office of the county where the property is. For example, the Los Angeles County Assessor keeps property records for land in Los Angeles County. The offices allow record seekers to obtain property records in person by sending formal requests via email, mail, or fax and online by filling out forms or conducting property searches. For example, the Los Angeles Assessor has an online Public Records Request Form for public requesters.

Why are Property Records Public?

Property records are public to protect the rights of people purchasing property. A potential buyer must understand any tax issues, liens, or encumbrances on the property before buying it.

What Information is Typically Found in California Property Records?

You can usually find information about the property, like the address, size, and buildings, along with owner information like name, address, and even things like liens, tax issues, mortgages, deeds, and foreclosures.

Components of Property Records in California

Depending on the type of property records you are looking for, each will contain different information. Typically, they will include the property owner's name and address. They may also have the property address, square footage, description, the year the building was built, liens, foreclosures, and tax information. Some of the information contained in California property records include:

Deeds
Liens
Tax Records
Ownership History
Mortgage Records
Foreclosures
Plat Maps
Easements / Conveyances
Property Details
Zoning
Boundary Lines
Property Address

California's primary source of property records is each county clerk's office, also called the registrar or recorder's office. Town offices may also have building permits, tax bills, land surveys, and deeds.

You can also find California property records online at the county website or using a commercial tool like PropertyChecker, where you can find millions of property records and perform unlimited nationwide searches 24/7.

The Role of the County Registrar/Recorder

The central location for all property records in the state of California is the town clerk's/recorder's office in each county. These offices collect, file, maintain, and store all property records in their jurisdiction.

Many records are kept online, but these offices also keep paper copies. If you visit your local county recorder's office, you can get official copies of a deed, survey, maps, or other documents. After purchasing a new home, the title company must file the deed with your local county recorder's office so they can record it and make it legal.

You can often find records online at the county website, but not all counties keep their records online. You may have to visit the county office in person to search for or review California public records.

Some property records in California may also be found within the court system, such as easements, land dispute lawsuits, foreclosures, and other court-related actions that pertain to a particular piece of property.

County Recorder's Office Locations in California

California has 58 counties and recorder's offices where California property records are filed and maintained. The county names are:

Alameda
Alpine
Amador
Butte
Calaveras
Colusa
Contra Costa
Del Norte
El Dorado
Fresno
Glenn
Humboldt
Imperial
Inyo
Kern
Kings
Lake
Lassen
Los Angeles
Madera
Marin
Mariposa
Mendocino
Merced
Modoc
Mono
Monterey
Napa
Nevada
Orange
Placer
Plumas
Riverside
Sacramento
San Benito
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Francisco
San Joaquin
San Luis Obispo
San Mateo
Santa Barbara
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Shasta
Sierra
Siskiyou
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Sutter
Tehama
Trinity
Tulare
Tuolumne
Ventura
Yolo
Yuba

For the complete list of all counties and who to contact with property records questions, click here.

What are the Different Types of Property Records?

California maintains millions of property records at the county level. It's very easy to locate and review public property records in California. Some of the different types of records you can find include:

Deeds and Conveyance Records

Deeds are a legal tool used to transfer property ownership between parties. There are many different types of deeds, and each state uses various ones in certain situations.

Conveyance means to transfer something from one person to another. Sometimes, a deed is referred to as a conveyance deed.

Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in California

Liens and encumbrances can drastically affect a property and its owners. Encumbrances like a right-of-way may make a piece of property less desirable. In some cases, the state or local government may seize the property, claiming eminent domain to use it for its purposes.

Liens are very common, and there are both voluntary and involuntary liens. Some of the most commonly used types include:

Voluntary Liens

Mortgage Liens

Most people who purchase property in California need to take out a mortgage. The lender puts the buyer through a rigorous process of approval before giving them the funds to buy the home. As part of the mortgage, the buyer agrees to a lien on the property. The deed will clearly state that the lender is the lienholder, and if the buyer defaults on their mortgage, the lender has the right to seize the property and sell it to get their money back. Information contained in mortgage records includes:

Definitions - The mortgage document may give meanings of terms in the specific agreement. For example, Deed of Trust, FDIC, CalHFA, and FHA.
Identification Information - The document contains a section identifying the borrower and the lender, plus their specific duties. The section may also include information on fees, payment of costs and expenses, and rights.
Terms and Termination - The mortgage will show the term (time) of the agreement and termination rules.
Miscellaneous - The document will include miscellaneous information such as successors, attorney fees, severability, governing law, counterparts, and applicable loans.
Signatures and Notarization - The document must have signatures and sometimes notarization for validity.

Involuntary Liens

Mechanic's Liens

Mechanic's liens are powerful tools contractors and subcontractors use to ensure they get paid after finishing a job. If the homeowner does not pay them in full, they have the right to place a lien on the property and will get paid once the place sells.

Tax Liens

If you don't pay your property taxes, the town/city has the right to place a lien on your property. They may also be able to seize the property and sell it at auction to pay off the overdue taxes.

Judgment Liens

Judgment liens are for vendors and creditors to whom you own money. They also have the right to place a lien on your property if you do not pay them what they are due. These liens can stay on the property for up to ten years and will be paid once the property sells.

How Do Liens Affect Property Records?

Liens show up on deeds in property records and may also be indicated in tax and other records. If liens are not addressed, sometimes the lienholder can foreclose on your home and sell it. Involuntary liens like a mechanic's, judgment, or tax lien are very serious business.

Liens are a legal claim to a piece of property in conjunction with a debt. With some types of liens, like mortgages, the lienholder has the right to seize and sell the property to get paid if the homeowner defaults on the loan.

Other types of liens include:

Family Law Real Property Liens - A spouse in California can file a lien on a community real estate interest in a California marital action. The lien secures payment of attorney's fees during the divorce. The lien is recorded in the Clerk or Recorder's office in the county where the property is located.
Child Support Liens - Child support liens are filed against the property of a person who owes child support. The lien prevents the obligor from transferring, refinancing, or selling the property until the lien is satisfied. The lien affects land, structure, anything growing on the land, and all interests in the property.
IRS Liens - IRS liens are filed when an individual owes a tax debt under the state's Franchise Tax Board. Authorities automatically attach a statutory lien to all real or personal property in California. If the individual fails to pay in full or set up a payment plan, authorities file a Notice of State Tax lien against the individual, securing and protecting the debt owed. Once the lien becomes public record, the individual cannot secure a business or personal loan or buy, sell, refinance, or transfer the property. Sometimes, the individual may struggle to get or keep a job as it affects credit. The lien is effective for at least ten years and may be extended depending on the situation.

Property Tax Records

Each piece of property in California is subject to property taxes. The county sets these tax rates based on the location, size, and other factors. If someone does not pay their property taxes, the town/city can put a lien on the property, eventually foreclose on it, and sell it at auction to get the tax payment. Property tax records have much information about the property, such as the address, lot size, easements, tax rate, owner, etc.

Property Assessed Value - The assessed value is necessary for calculating the property tax. Therefore, the document includes the assessed property value.
Tax Rates - The document will show the tax rate of the area. These are subject to change and may differ from document to document.
Exemptions - The document lists any exemptions that fall on the property.
Property Owner Information - The owner information often comes first, outlining the full name, address, and post details if available.
Tax Payment History - The document lists tax payments, including any delinquencies and outstanding debts. The section will include dates and amounts.

Most liens in California last for ten years with the option of extending. Once the lien becomes public record in the state, it becomes harder to transfer or refinance the property until the lien is satisfied.

Easements and Covenants

Some property has easements or covenants on it, which can affect the property's value or the owner's ability to sell it.

Easements give another party access to your property without needing permission. A piece of property with an easement may be less appealing than one without. An example might be when a town has the right to access someone's farm where they have built a utility tower.

A covenant dictates how you can use a specific piece of property. If the property is close to a wildlife preserve area, you may not be able to build on it or disturb the wildlife living there. Covenants can be used for many things and must be strictly adhered to, or you face serious consequences.

Plats and Surveys

California property records may also include plats and surveys. Plats show the boundaries of several lots, including the one in question. Surveys show property boundaries of only a single property. Title companies use surveys to prepare title insurance.

Property surveys in California are often required for all new constructions to note the property lines, structures, and other vital elements on a property. The survey also shows precise locations, topographical features, and easements. Surveys in California are not always current or correct since the state does not require a new survey with a change of ownership. Some properties in California may go decades without being surveyed. However, when they undergo the process, it is done by a licensed surveyor, often registered with the California Land Surveyors Association. Complete surveys are filed on record in map books with the county. The documents are under the Surveyor or Recorder's Office in the county where the property is. Information in the document varies depending on the surveyor. However, the following information usually appears in a standard survey document in California:

Illustration of the Physical Features - Surveys show the contours and elevations of the property. It may also illustrate natural features.
Surveyor's Opinions and Concerns - The surveyor may record any conversion and options about the property per standard survey procedures.
The Legal Description of the Property - Every survey document in California contains a legal description of the property, including its dimensions and property boundaries.
Location Details - The document may include location information such as the street address, the location of adjacent properties, and the type and location of encumbrances.

How to Find Property Survey Records

Property survey records are kept at the county level, along with deeds. Contact the local recorder's office to see if you can find copies of the property surveys. You may also find them online.

California Deeds

Deeds transfer ownership of a property to a new owner. They are signed and legal documents that vary in content due to scenario differences surrounding the agreement. Deeds in California are recorded at the Registrar-Recorder's office in the county where the property is listed. So, if the property is in Los Angeles County, the individual must record the deed at the Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder's Office. California deeds contain the following information:

Identifying Information - A deed identifies the grantor and grantee, plus their responsibilities, statements, and contact information.
Considerations - The document identifies the price of purchase or considerations made for the property.
Legal Property Description - A deed will include a legal description of the property to be transferred.
Notary and Signatures - Since the deed is a legal document, it must have signatures from both parties and notarization.
Covenants - The deed may outline promises by the grantor about the property, for example, encumbrances.

California Titles

Titles show property ownership. In California, individuals record titles at the recorder's office in the county where the land is. A standard title in California contains the following information:

Ownership Information - The title lists the owner or legal entity that holds the title. It may include information about a joint tenancy or the state of ownership.
Liens and Encumbrances - The title reveals any liens and encumbrances that affect the property's use or transferability.
Legal Description - The title will include a legal description of the property with specific measurements and reference points.
Easements and Restrictions - The title will disclose easements and rights of way affecting the property. It may also outline zoning restrictions that limit property use.
History of Transfer - The title will outline prior transfers, documenting the chain of ownership over a given period.

Historical Property Records

Historical property records show every owner, what they paid for the property, and its current value since it was first owned. It's a great way to gauge how the property has appreciated over time.

How to Search for Property Records in California

There are many situations where you may need to find specific property records. When doing so, be sure you have the entire property address, as that is the most effective way to find records about it. Some ways to search for California property records include:

Online Property Record Search

Many local counties have websites where you can easily search for property records. Have the owner's name or full property address handy when searching. If your county doesn't store records online, you can use other sources for searching.

In-Person Property Record Search

You can always visit the county clerk's office to search for property records. Bring as much information as you can about the property. You may have to wait, depending on how busy the office is. You may also have to pay a small fee for paper copies.

Using Property Record Indexes

Some real estate and related companies use property indexes to store vast amounts of data on each property. These indexes may be large books, or sometimes you can find repositories online in data archive websites.

Utilizing Commercial Services

To save time and headaches finding property records in California, you can use a commercial service like PropertyChecker, where you can run unlimited searches instantly across all 58 counties in California. You have access to the portal 24/7 and can search nationwide.

Understanding Property Ownership in California

Often, you need to find out who owns a specific piece of property. It's actually easier than you might think. You can use one of the search methods listed above and use the property address to find out who the current owner is. You can also see historical ownership going back to when the property was first owed.

How to Find the Owner of a Property with Public Records?

You can search online through the county website or a third-party tool or visit your local county recorder's office to find owner information on a specific property. You may see the owner's name, address, phone, and other details about them.

What is a Chain of Title?

The chain of title tells the story of each property owner since the land was first sold. It details each historical transfer of title from person to person. It applies to land with homes and land without. It will show who first built the home on the land and each sale or transfer afterward. There should never be a break in the chain. It should always show one owner after the next without any gaps. Ownership should be continuous.

The paperwork involved in a chain of title is the deed proving ownership, the title (which is more of an idea than paperwork) giving the owner rights to use the property, and any accompanying "bundle of rights", which may be written legal specifications of how the land may be used.

Ownership History and Transfers

Property ownership can be transferred through a few different methods. The most common is through real estate transactions. You can also obtain property when someone dies and leaves it to you. Sometimes, property owners will transfer the property to an heir before they die, so the person will instantly be declared the new owner upon their passing.

Property Descriptions and Boundaries in California

Property descriptions and boundaries are part of what makes up property records in California.

The property description is a legal designation clearly outlining the property so that anyone reading it would know what you were referring to. These descriptions are often used in litigation. Unfortunately, this description has no standard, so you may find it in different ways on different documents.

The property description typically has the legal address, boundaries, plats, maps, and sometimes the parcel number. The Assessor Parcel Number (APN) is assigned at the county level to keep all property organized.

Surveys and Land Measurements

Other kinds of property records include surveys and land measurements. You may see lot sizes, survey records, maps, or different types of documents that validate the size and boundaries of the property.

Boundary Disputes and Resolutions

Boundary disputes are common. One person believes that someone else is infringing on their property. To prove where boundaries lie, the parties may have a professional survey company come out to determine the proper boundary lines. You can also check property records to find surveys, plats, and maps that could help resolve boundary disputes.

If the dispute is serious enough, one party may take the other to court in a civil case to resolve it.

Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in California

As a homebuyer, it's crucial to conduct your own due diligence and find out as much as possible about a piece of property before buying it. You do not want to put an offer in on a place and find out later it has encumbrances, a history of bad liens, or is in foreclosure. Your title company will perform a title search to be sure there are no ownership disputes and that the seller actually has the full title/legal right to sell the property.

When selling a piece of real estate, you must provide specific documentation to the buyer to disclose any issues with the property, like hidden lawsuits, liens, tax issues, and foreclosures.

California Property Values

The average value of a home in California in 2023 is approximately $728,121. The value has gone down by more than 3% since 2022. Cities such as Bass Lake, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay area had the highest property values, while places like the Far North region and Coarsegold had the lowest values.

Factors that Determine Property Values in California

Property Location - Neighborhoods will influence the property's value within the area. Some areas, such as those near the Bay area, have higher values because they are closer to beaches beloved by potential property owners.
Climate and Weather - California has a diverse climate, and coastal regions have higher values than those with extreme temperatures.
Economic Growth - Strong job markets increase the value of a property, so areas near Los Angeles and San Francisco tend to have higher property values.

Title Searches and Insurance

The title company will perform a title search as part of a real estate sale. The goal is to determine whether the property has a clean title without any title defects or issues. When obtaining a mortgage, lenders will require you to purchase title insurance so that if any title defects are found later, the lender and the homeowner are covered.

Foreclosure and Property Records in California

Foreclosures do not look good on anyone's credit file. Unfortunately, foreclosures are public record, so if your house is seized and sold at auction, everyone will know about it. Foreclosures are public records, and you can search them easily to find homes in foreclosure. Some investors look for foreclosure homes to pick up a cheap deal.

Foreclosures in California can last up to 200 days, sometimes longer. The loan is officially in default during the 90th day, with the first day being when the debtor misses a payment. The debtor receives a notice of default during the 120th day with options of getting out of default. If the debtor does not make a payment, they receive a notice of trustee sale after 180 days, and then 20 days later, the bank sets the auction. Debtors can only stop a foreclosure in California by making a big payment to the mortgage or filing for bankruptcy.

The rate of foreclosures in California is one in every 3,976 households, with Lake, Shasta, and Riverside counties with the most foreclosures per housing unit. In 2008, the foreclosure rate exceeded 5%, contributing significantly to the nation's foreclosure rate. Compared to other counties maintaining a 0.5% or less rate, California had the highest rates during the 2008 economic crisis.

Types of Foreclosures in California

California observes two types of foreclosures:

Judicial Foreclosures - They are rare and have to undergo the court system. They are also slower and more expensive.
Non-Judicial Foreclosures - They are common and do not require court processing.

Property Records and Property Values

Professionals use property assessments and appraisals to garner the value of a specific piece of real estate. The county or town property inspector usually performs assessments for the purpose of setting the tax rate. Appraisals are most often used in real estate transactions to verify the value of the property before sale. They can also be used in estate planning.

One of the most critical pieces of information about a property is its fair market value (FMV). This number may fluctuate often based on various factors. Most often, the market value will depend on its location, age, size, amenities, and condition. Using realty tools, you can find current property values in property records, primarily online.

Privacy and Property Records

Remember, property records are public records; anyone can access them in person, online, or through other means. Some of your personal information, like your name, address, and other contact details, may be stored with property records.

Keeping all your personal information out of public records is not always possible. However, you can contact the necessary agencies and request that they redact anything not legally required. You can also ask online vendors to remove your personal details.

As a precaution, never give out personal information online or to anyone you don't know. Keep social sharing to a minimum and completely delete unused online accounts. You cannot do enough to protect your valuable private information. Although you cannot shield all your personal information in public property records, you can limit it. Contact your local recorder's office to ask that your phone number or other personal details be redacted from public records. Never share public information online or give strangers your address and phone number.

Maintaining and Amending Property Records

As you can imagine, maintaining millions of property records in California is a big job.

Correcting Errors on Property Records

Regular people create and maintain property and other public records. People are human, and humans make mistakes. Property records can contain errors. When this occurs, fixing them as quickly as possible is essential. You must contact the agency in charge of the records; most often, this will be the county recorder's office. Provide them with legal source documentation to prove the error and ask them to update the records.

Amending Property Records for Legal Changes

If a legal change occurs and you need to amend property records, contact the local county recorder's office where the property is located. They will want to see proof of the legal change before amending the record. Online sources should get updated copies and automatically change after that.

How to Change the Name on Property Records in California

You can only change your name in property tax records when you own the property. To do so, contact the county recorder's office and request they change your name. You may need to send them documentation validating the name change, such as a marriage or divorce certificate.

How to Update Property Records When Someone Dies

After someone dies, you may transfer property ownership through a particular type of deed. Once that is filed, the county recorder's office will update all the records, and the new owner will show as the current one. If you are updating records on behalf of a deceased person, you may need to provide the death certificate to the county before they will correct any records.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?

Property records can reveal many things about a property, helping you make an informed decision when buying property in California. Check to see if the property has any liens, rights-of-way, or easements or is in the process of foreclosure. Tax issues could also be a factor in your decision. Property records can show the ownership history and how the property has appreciated or depreciated over time.

California County Property Records