Philadelphia County Property Records
What Is Philadelphia County Property Records
Philadelphia County property records are official documents maintained by the City of Philadelphia that contain detailed information about real estate parcels within the county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source of property ownership history, valuation assessments, and related transactions. The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by Pennsylvania state law and local Philadelphia ordinances.
Property records in Philadelphia County are primarily maintained by two municipal agencies:
Office of Property Assessment (OPA)
601 Walnut Street, Suite 300 West
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 686-4334
Office of Property Assessment
Department of Records
City Hall, Room 156
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 686-2260
Department of Records
The Office of Property Assessment is responsible for determining the market value of all real property in Philadelphia for tax purposes, while the Department of Records maintains the official repository of deeds, mortgages, and other property-related documents. Together, these agencies create a comprehensive system of property documentation that serves multiple governmental and public purposes, including:
- Establishing legal ownership of real property
- Determining property tax assessments
- Documenting property transfers and sales
- Recording liens, easements, and encumbrances
- Supporting municipal planning and development initiatives
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Public Records Law and Philadelphia's open data initiatives, most property records are accessible to the public through various platforms, including in-person visits to municipal offices and online databases.
Are Property Records Public Information In Philadelphia County?
Property records in Philadelphia County are considered public information in accordance with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104) and local Philadelphia ordinances. This designation ensures transparency in real estate ownership and transactions while supporting the integrity of the property market.
Members of the public may access Philadelphia County property records through several official channels:
- The Philadelphia Property Database provides online access to basic property information
- The Department of Records maintains official deed records and related documents
- The Office of Property Assessment offers property valuation and tax assessment data
While most property records are publicly accessible, certain limitations exist to protect privacy and security interests:
- Personal identification information may be redacted from public versions of documents
- The City of Philadelphia has discontinued the ability to search properties by owner name due to privacy concerns
- Certain records may be sealed by court order under specific circumstances
- Access to some detailed information may require formal requests or payment of fees
The public nature of property records serves several important governmental and societal functions:
- Facilitating real estate transactions through transparent ownership information
- Supporting property tax administration and collection
- Enabling research for legal, historical, and planning purposes
- Promoting accountability in property ownership and development
Individuals seeking property records should note that public access does not confer rights to use the information for commercial solicitation purposes, and certain uses may be restricted under applicable laws and regulations.
How To Search Property Records in Philadelphia County in 2025
The City of Philadelphia has implemented several modernized systems for searching property records in 2025. These systems allow constituents to access comprehensive property information through multiple channels. The primary methods for searching property records include:
Online Property Search Portal The Philadelphia Property Search platform serves as the central online resource for property record searches. Users may search by:
- Property address (exact address or block search using "block:" prefix)
- Account number
- Parcel number (Registry Number)
The system no longer permits searches by owner name due to privacy considerations implemented in recent years.
In-Person Research Options For more detailed research or assistance with complex searches, constituents may visit:
Department of Records
City Hall, Room 156
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 686-2260
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Staff members are available to assist with navigating records and locating specific documents. Researchers should be prepared to provide specific property identifiers when requesting assistance.
Mobile Applications The City of Philadelphia has developed mobile-compatible interfaces that allow property searches from smartphones and tablets. These applications synchronize with the main property database and provide location-based search capabilities.
When conducting property record searches, users should note:
- Recently recorded documents may take 2-4 weeks to appear in searchable databases
- Historical records prior to digital conversion may require specialized assistance
- Some detailed document retrieval may incur fees according to the current fee schedule
- Complex title searches may require professional assistance from title companies or attorneys
The Philadelphia Atlas provides an additional geographic information system (GIS) interface that allows users to visualize property data on interactive maps, offering context for property research.
How To Find Property Records in Philadelphia County Online?
Philadelphia County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several official digital platforms. These resources have been developed pursuant to the City's commitment to transparency and digital government services as outlined in Philadelphia Code § 21-500 (relating to open data and digital access).
The primary online resources for accessing Philadelphia County property records include:
-
Property Search Portal - The official property database providing:
- Property characteristics and descriptions
- Assessment values and tax information
- Sales history and transaction data
- Zoning classifications
- Permit history
-
Philadelphia Atlas - An interactive mapping tool offering:
- Geographic visualization of property boundaries
- Layered data including zoning, council districts, and planning overlays
- Measurement tools and spatial analysis capabilities
- Exportable property reports
-
Philadelphia Tax Center - For tax-related property information:
- Real estate tax balances and payment history
- Tax payment options
- Self-service payoff statements for real estate charges
- Tax assistance program applications
To effectively utilize these online resources, users should:
- Have specific property identifiers ready (address or parcel number)
- Be aware that some detailed document images may require fees for access
- Understand that certain information may be updated on different schedules
- Note that historical records may have varying levels of detail available online
The Department of Records maintains additional online resources for recorded documents, though some may require in-person visits for full access or certified copies.
Can You Look Up Philadelphia County Property Records for Free?
Philadelphia County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property records in accordance with the City's commitment to government transparency and public information access. These free resources are maintained pursuant to Philadelphia Home Rule Charter § 5-1100 and related ordinances concerning public records.
Free property record access is available through the following channels:
Online Resources Without Fees:
-
Property Search Database - Provides free access to:
- Property ownership information
- Assessment values
- Property characteristics
- Sales history
- Zoning information
- Property photographs
-
Philadelphia Atlas - Offers free geographic information including:
- Property boundaries
- Zoning overlays
- Council districts
- Census data
- Aerial imagery
In-Person Free Access:
- Public computer terminals are available at:
Department of Records
City Hall, Room 156
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 686-2260
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Free Municipal Libraries Access: Public computers at Free Library of Philadelphia locations provide access to the city's property databases.
While basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of deeds and other recorded documents
- Bulk data downloads
- Specialized research assistance
- Expedited document retrieval
- Copies of historical records requiring special handling
The Office of Property Assessment provides additional free resources for understanding property valuations and assessment methodologies.
What's Included in a Philadelphia County Property Record?
Philadelphia County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the city limits. These records are maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania state law and Philadelphia Code § 9-1300 (relating to real estate records and transactions). A complete Philadelphia County property record typically includes the following components:
Property Identification Information:
- Official property address
- Office of Property Assessment (OPA) account number
- Registry number (parcel identifier)
- Block lot designation
- Property classification code
Ownership Details:
- Current owner name(s)
- Deed information
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price (consideration)
- Prior ownership history
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot dimensions and total square footage
- Building size and specifications
- Number of stories
- Construction type and materials
- Year built
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Basement information
- Garage or parking facilities
- Special features or improvements
Valuation and Tax Information:
- Current market value assessment
- Land value
- Improvement value
- Applicable tax rates
- Homestead exemption status
- Tax abatement information
- Payment history
Legal Encumbrances:
- Mortgages
- Liens (tax, municipal, mechanic's)
- Easements
- Deed restrictions
- Zoning variances
- Covenants
Transaction History:
- Prior sales dates and prices
- Refinancing events
- Property transfers
The Department of Records maintains the official repository of property documents, while the Office of Property Assessment determines property valuations and maintains assessment records.
How Long Does Philadelphia County Keep Property Records?
Philadelphia County maintains property records in perpetuity in accordance with Pennsylvania state archival requirements and Philadelphia Code § 5-1100 (relating to records retention). The preservation of these records ensures the continuity of property ownership history and supports legal and historical research needs.
The retention schedule for various types of property records is as follows:
Permanent Records (Maintained Indefinitely):
- Deeds and property transfers
- Subdivision plats and land surveys
- Property assessment rolls
- Tax maps
- Historic designation documentation
- Easements and rights-of-way
Long-Term Records (75+ Years):
- Building permits for significant structures
- Major zoning decisions and variances
- Condemnation proceedings
- Urban renewal project documentation
Medium-Term Records (15-25 Years):
- Standard building permits
- Routine inspection reports
- Temporary zoning permits
- Minor variance approvals
The Department of Records employs a multi-tiered storage system for these documents:
- Active digital records in current database systems
- Digital archives for older computerized records
- Microfilm archives for pre-digital era documents
- Physical document storage for original historical records
Department of Records
City Hall, Room 156
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 686-2260
Department of Records
Researchers seeking historical property records should note:
- Records dating prior to 1952 may be stored in different formats or locations
- Some very early records (pre-1854 consolidation of Philadelphia County) may require specialized research assistance
- Digital conversion efforts are ongoing for older physical records
- Access to certain historical records may require advance notice
The City of Philadelphia continues to invest in digital preservation technologies to ensure the long-term accessibility of property records for future generations.
How To Find Liens on Property In Philadelphia County?
Liens on property in Philadelphia County are public records that indicate claims against real estate for unpaid debts or obligations. These encumbrances are recorded and searchable through several official channels in accordance with Pennsylvania lien law (53 P.S. § 7101 et seq.) and Philadelphia Code § 19-1400 (relating to real estate tax collection).
To conduct a comprehensive lien search on Philadelphia County property, interested parties may utilize the following resources:
Online Lien Search Options:
-
Philadelphia Tax Center - For tax-related liens including:
- Real estate tax delinquencies
- Water/sewer liens
- Nuisance liens
- Special assessment liens
-
Property Search Portal - Provides basic lien information in property details
In-Person Lien Research:
Department of Records
City Hall, Room 156
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 686-2260
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Department of Revenue
Municipal Services Building
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Concourse Level
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 686-6442
Department of Revenue
Types of liens that may be recorded against Philadelphia properties include:
- Municipal tax liens
- Federal tax liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Utility liens
- Housing code violation liens
- Environmental liens
Professional title searches are recommended for real estate transactions to ensure all potential liens are identified. Title companies and real estate attorneys typically conduct thorough lien searches as part of their services.
Lien certificates, which provide official documentation of any outstanding municipal claims, may be requested through the Department of Revenue for a fee. These certificates are often required during property transfers to ensure clear title.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Philadelphia County?
The Property Owner Rule in Philadelphia County refers to a set of regulations and responsibilities that govern property ownership within city limits. These rules are established pursuant to the Philadelphia Code, primarily Titles 4 (Building Construction and Occupancy Code) and 9 (Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions), and define the legal obligations of property owners.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Registration Requirements:
- All property owners must register their properties with the Department of Licenses and Inspections
- Vacant properties require special registration under Philadelphia Code § 9-3901
- Rental properties must be registered and licensed according to Philadelphia Code § 9-3900
- Out-of-state owners must designate a local agent for service of process
Maintenance Obligations:
- Property owners must maintain structures in accordance with building codes
- Sidewalks adjacent to properties must be kept in good repair
- Snow and ice removal is required within six hours of the end of a snowfall
- Vegetation must be controlled to prevent overgrowth
- Properties must be kept free of trash and debris
Tax Responsibilities:
- Real estate taxes must be paid in a timely manner
- Property owners are responsible for water and sewer charges
- Special assessments for municipal improvements must be paid when levied
Privacy Considerations:
- As of 2025, Philadelphia has implemented enhanced privacy protections for property owners
- The Property Search Database no longer allows searches by owner name
- Certain owner information may be redacted from public records upon request under specific circumstances
Department of Licenses and Inspections
Municipal Services Building
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 686-2400
Property owners should be aware that failure to comply with these regulations may result in citations, fines, liens against the property, or other enforcement actions. The City of Philadelphia provides resources to assist property owners in understanding and meeting their obligations through various departmental websites and public information programs.
Lookup Property Records in Philadelphia County
Search Philadelphia property database
Find detailed property information
Access property assessment details
Visit the Office of Property Assessment
View all Philadelphia properties
Explore the Department of Records
Use the Philadelphia Tax Center
Get copies of deeds and recorded documents