Westchester County Property Records
What Is Westchester County Property Records
Westchester County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Westchester County, New York. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county's municipalities. Pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, these records establish legal ownership through a documented chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Property records in Westchester County include:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Tax assessment information
- Property surveys and maps
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
The Westchester County Clerk's Office maintains the official land records for the county, serving as the central repository for property ownership documentation. These records are maintained in accordance with New York State's recording statutes, which establish requirements for document format, content, and the recording process.
Westchester County Clerk's Office
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 995-3080
Westchester County Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In Westchester County?
Property records in Westchester County are public information, accessible to all citizens under New York State law. The public nature of these records is established by the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and specifically reinforced by New York Real Property Law § 291, which mandates that properly recorded instruments affecting real property serve as notice to all persons.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency in land ownership
- Public access serves the broader public interest by facilitating property transactions and preventing fraud
- Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
The Westchester County Clerk's Office maintains these public records and makes them available for inspection during regular business hours. Additionally, many property records are now accessible through online portals maintained by the county, enhancing public access while maintaining the integrity of the official records.
Under current law, while property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted to protect privacy while still maintaining the public nature of the property information itself.
How To Search Property Records in Westchester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search Westchester County property records may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains comprehensive systems for both in-person and online searches.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Westchester County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays)
- Complete a records request form, available at the public counter
- Provide specific property information such as address, tax parcel number, or owner name
- Staff will assist in locating the requested records
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents (currently $5 per page for certified copies, $0.65 per page for uncertified copies)
For telephone inquiries:
- Contact the Records Division at (914) 995-3080
- Provide specific property information to the clerk
- Request information about available records
- Arrange for copies to be prepared for pickup or mailing (additional fees apply)
The Westchester County Land Records Portal provides the most efficient method for searching property records. Users may:
- Access the portal through the County Clerk's website
- Create a free user account for enhanced search capabilities
- Search by property address, owner name, document type, or filing date
- View document images online (subscription fees may apply)
- Print or download documents as needed (fees apply)
For specialized searches, the Westchester County GeoHub provides geographic information system (GIS) data that can be used to locate properties and access related information.
Westchester County Clerk's Office - Records Division
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 995-3080
Westchester County Clerk
How To Find Property Records in Westchester County Online?
Westchester County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These systems allow for efficient searching without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources include:
-
Westchester County Land Records Portal
- Navigate to the Westchester County Clerk's website
- Select "Land Records Search" from the available options
- Create a user account or log in as a guest (full functionality requires registration)
- Search using property address, owner name, document type, or filing date
- View document index information at no charge
- Access document images for a subscription fee or per-document charge
-
Westchester County Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Access the Westchester County GeoHub
- Use the interactive mapping tools to locate properties
- View parcel boundaries, ownership information, and property characteristics
- Access links to related property records
-
Westchester County Tax Assessment Records
- Visit the Westchester County Property Tax Portal
- Search by address or tax parcel ID
- View assessment information, tax rates, and payment history
- Access property characteristic data
-
Municipal Records Systems
- Many Westchester municipalities maintain their own property record systems
- Access building department records, permits, and certificates of occupancy
- View local tax information through systems like New Rochelle Tax Department
When using online systems, users should note:
- Some records may only be available in person at the County Clerk's Office
- Older records (generally pre-1980) may not be fully digitized
- Subscription fees may apply for comprehensive access
- Official certified copies must still be obtained from the County Clerk
How To Look Up Westchester County Property Records for Free?
Westchester County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost, though some limitations apply to free searches. Members of the public may utilize these resources to obtain basic property information without incurring fees.
Free access options include:
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In-Person Inspection at County Offices
- Visit the Westchester County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific property records
- Examine documents on-site at no charge
- Note that copying fees will apply if printed records are needed
-
Basic Online Index Searches
- Access the Westchester County Clerk's website
- Use the public access portal to search property indexes
- View basic information including document type, filing date, and parties
- Note that document images typically require payment
-
Westchester County GIS Viewer
- Use the public Westchester County GeoHub
- Access the property viewer application
- Search by address or navigate the map interface
- View parcel boundaries, dimensions, and basic ownership information
-
Municipal Tax Assessment Records
- Visit municipal websites such as Property Tax Rates
- Search by address or parcel ID
- Access assessment values, tax rates, and property characteristics
- View ownership information as listed on tax rolls
-
Public Library Resources
- Visit Westchester County public libraries
- Use library computers to access subscription databases
- Request assistance from reference librarians for property research
- Access historical property records and maps
When using free resources, users should be aware of these limitations:
- Document images typically require payment
- Comprehensive title searches may require professional assistance
- Historical records may not be available through free online systems
- Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Westchester County Clerk's Office - Public Records Counter
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 995-3080
Westchester County Clerk
What's Included in a Westchester County Property Record?
Westchester County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices in accordance with New York Real Property Law § 316, which establishes requirements for recording and maintaining property records.
Property records in Westchester County distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). The following information is typically included in Westchester County property records:
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Ownership Documents
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, executor's, referee's)
- Property transfer documentation
- Names of current and previous owners
- Purchase price and transfer tax information
- Legal description of the property
-
Financial Encumbrances
- Mortgages and mortgage assignments
- Mortgage satisfactions and releases
- Tax liens (federal, state, and local)
- Mechanics liens
- Judgment liens
- Lis pendens (pending litigation notices)
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Property Characteristics
- Parcel identification number
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building size and characteristics
- Year built
- Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
- Construction materials
- Improvement details
-
Assessment and Tax Information
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Tax rates
- Payment history
- Exemption information
- Special assessment districts
-
Land Use Documentation
- Zoning classification
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium or homeowners association documents
- Environmental restrictions
-
Building Department Records
- Building permits
- Certificates of occupancy
- Inspection reports
- Code violation notices
- Variance approvals
These records are maintained by various county offices, including the County Clerk, Tax Assessor, and individual municipal building departments. The comprehensive nature of these records provides a complete history of ownership and encumbrances for each property within Westchester County.
How Long Does Westchester County Keep Property Records?
Westchester County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives under the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of property records, though many records are maintained permanently due to their historical and legal significance.
The retention periods for key property records in Westchester County are as follows:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Liens and Judgments: Permanent retention for the record, though the legal effect may expire
- Tax Assessment Rolls: Permanent retention
- Building Permits: Minimum 6 years after building demolished or 6 years after denial/expiration of permit
- Certificates of Occupancy: Permanent retention
- Property Maps and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Zoning Records: Permanent retention for decisions, minimum 6 years for applications
- Property Tax Payment Records: Minimum 6 years
- Code Violation Records: Minimum 6 years after resolution
The Westchester County Clerk's Office maintains all officially recorded property documents permanently, with records dating back to the county's formation in 1683. These historical records provide an unbroken chain of title for properties throughout the county.
While most property records are retained permanently, some supplementary documents may be subject to shorter retention periods as specified in the New York State Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1.
The county has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to preserve historical property records and improve accessibility, though some older records may only be available in original paper format or on microfilm at the County Clerk's Office.
How To Find Liens on Property In Westchester County?
Locating liens on property in Westchester County requires searching records maintained by multiple government offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold, making their discovery an essential part of property research.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Westchester County:
-
Search County Clerk Records
- Visit the Westchester County Clerk's Office in person or online
- Search by property address or owner name
- Review index books or digital records for:
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax warrants
- UCC financing statements affecting fixtures
-
Check Tax Records
- Contact the Westchester County Finance Department
- Search municipal tax records through systems like New Rochelle Tax Department
- Verify if property taxes are current or delinquent
- Identify any tax liens or pending tax foreclosure actions
-
Review Municipal Records
- Contact the specific municipality where the property is located
- Check for:
- Code enforcement liens
- Unpaid utility bills
- Special assessment liens
- Municipal court judgments
-
Examine Court Records
- Search Westchester County Supreme Court records
- Check for pending lawsuits that may result in liens
- Review lis pendens notices (pending litigation affecting property)
-
Request a Professional Title Search
- Engage a title company or attorney
- Obtain a comprehensive title report
- Identify all recorded liens and encumbrances
When conducting lien searches, researchers should note:
- Some liens may be filed against the property owner rather than the property itself
- Liens have different expiration periods under New York law
- The priority of liens (which are paid first) is generally determined by recording date
- Some liens may not be immediately visible in public records
Westchester County Clerk's Office - Lien Records
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 995-3070
Westchester County Clerk
What Is Property Owner Rule In Westchester County?
The Property Owner Rule in Westchester County refers to a set of regulations governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the legal effects of property records. These rules are established under New York State law, particularly New York Real Property Law § 291, and implemented through county procedures.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
-
Recording Requirement
- All instruments affecting real property (deeds, mortgages, liens) must be recorded with the Westchester County Clerk
- Unrecorded instruments are binding only between the parties to the transaction
- Properly recorded instruments serve as notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors
- Priority of interests is generally determined by recording date and time
-
Chain of Title Principles
- Property ownership must follow an unbroken chain of title
- Each transfer must be properly documented and recorded
- Gaps in the chain of title may create clouds on title that must be resolved
- Title searches typically examine ownership back at least 40 years
-
Bona Fide Purchaser Protection
- Purchasers who buy property without notice of prior unrecorded interests may be protected
- Recording provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers
- Purchasers must conduct due diligence by searching public records
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Ownership Disclosure Requirements
- Property owners must be identified in public records
- Corporate or entity owners must maintain current information with the Department of State
- Transfers between related parties must be properly documented and recorded
-
Tax Assessment Notification
- Property owners must receive notification of assessments
- Owners are responsible for reviewing and challenging incorrect assessments
- Assessment information is available through the Check your assessment portal
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses specific Westchester County regulations regarding:
- Required document formatting for recording
- Notarization and witness requirements
- Payment of recording fees and transfer taxes
- Disclosure of property condition for residential transfers
- Requirements for condominium and cooperative ownership
Property owners in Westchester County should consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with all aspects of the Property Owner Rule, particularly when engaging in property transactions.