Real Property Owners’ Right to Inspect Title Records

Introduction

As a real property owner, you have the right to inspect the title records for your property. This right is important because it allows you to verify that you have good title to your property and that there are no liens or encumbrances against it.

What is a Title Record?

A title record is a document that contains a history of the ownership of a piece of real property. It includes information such as:

* The names of the current and previous owners of the property
* The date and time of each transfer of ownership
* Any liens or encumbrances against the property, such as mortgages, deeds of trust, or judgments

Who Has the Right to Inspect Title Records?

In most states, only the owner of a piece of real property has the right to inspect the title records for that property. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, in some states, a potential buyer of a property may be able to inspect the title records if they have a signed purchase contract.

How to Inspect Title Records

To inspect the title records for your property, you will need to contact the county recorder’s office in the county where the property is located. The county recorder’s office is responsible for maintaining the title records for all properties in the county.

When you contact the county recorder’s office, you will need to provide them with the following information:

* Your name
* Your address
* The address of the property
* The parcel number of the property (if you know it)

The county recorder’s office will then provide you with a copy of the title records for your property. You may be charged a small fee for this service.

What to Look for in Title Records

When you inspect the title records for your property, you should look for the following information:

* The names of the current and previous owners of the property
* The date and time of each transfer of ownership
* Any liens or encumbrances against the property, such as mortgages, deeds of trust, or judgments

If you find any errors or omissions in the title records, you should contact the county recorder’s office immediately.

Limitations on the Right to Inspect Title Records

The right to inspect title records is not absolute. There are some limitations on this right, such as:

* You may not be able to inspect the title records for a property if you are not the owner of the property.
* You may not be able to inspect the title records for a property if there is a pending lawsuit or other legal action involving the property.
* The county recorder’s office may charge you a fee to inspect the title records for your property.

Conclusion

As a real property owner, you have the right to inspect the title records for your property. This right is important because it allows you to verify that you have good title to your property and that there are no liens or encumbrances against it. If you have any questions about your right to inspect title records, you should contact the county recorder’s office in the county where your property is located.