Philadelphia County Property Records

What Is Philadelphia County Property Records

Philadelphia County property records are official documents that contain information about real estate properties within Philadelphia County. These records are maintained by the Philadelphia Department of Records 160 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 and include details about property ownership, transactions, tax assessments, and other relevant information. Property records serve as legal documentation of ownership and provide a historical account of property transfers and changes over time.

Are Property Records Public Information In Philadelphia County?

Yes, property records in Philadelphia County are considered public information. According to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, these records are accessible to anyone who wishes to view them. The Philadelphia Department of Records 160 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 maintains these public records and makes them available through various platforms, including in-person visits to their office and online databases. This transparency ensures that information about property ownership and transactions is available to interested parties, including potential buyers, researchers, and the general public.

How To Search Property Records in Philadelphia County in 2025

To search property records in Philadelphia County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Visit the Philadelphia Department of Records 160 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 in person to access physical records and receive assistance from staff.

2. Use the Philadelphia Property Search online portal, which allows you to search by address, owner name, or property ID.

3. Access the Philadelphia City Archives 548 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 for historical property records.

4. Utilize the Records Department's electronic document recording system for recent transactions.

5. Contact a title company or real estate attorney who can conduct a professional search on your behalf.

When searching, have specific information ready, such as the property address, owner's name, or parcel number to streamline your search process.

How To Find Property Records in Philadelphia County Online?

Finding Philadelphia County property records online is straightforward through these methods:

1. Visit the Philadelphia Property Search portal through the Department of Records website, which provides comprehensive property information.

2. Use the Philadelphia Atlas, an interactive mapping tool that displays property boundaries and basic ownership information.

3. Access the Office of Property Assessment (OPA) 601 Walnut Street, Suite 300 West, Philadelphia, PA 19106 website to find property tax and assessment records.

4. Check the Philadelphia Land Records website for deed information and recorded documents.

5. Explore the Philadelphia Historical Commission 1515 Arch Street, 13th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102 online resources for historical property information.

These online resources are regularly updated and provide convenient access to property records without requiring an in-person visit to government offices.

Can You Look Up Philadelphia County Property Records for Free?

Yes, you can access many Philadelphia County property records for free. The Philadelphia Department of Records offers free online access to basic property information through their public search portals. The Office of Property Assessment (OPA) 601 Walnut Street, Suite 300 West, Philadelphia, PA 19106 website also provides free access to property tax and assessment information.

However, while basic searches are free, there may be fees for:

• Obtaining certified copies of documents
• Accessing certain detailed historical records
• Requesting large volumes of records
• Getting expedited service

The Philadelphia City Archives 548 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 may also charge nominal fees for retrieving historical property records, though basic research access is typically free.

What's Included in a Philadelphia County Property Record?

A Philadelphia County property record typically includes:

1. Property identification information (address, parcel number, lot size)
2. Current and previous ownership details
3. Sale history and transaction dates
4. Purchase prices and mortgage information
5. Property tax assessment values
6. Zoning classification and permitted uses
7. Building characteristics (square footage, number of rooms, year built)
8. Improvement records and building permits
9. Liens, easements, and encumbrances
10. Deed restrictions and covenants

The level of detail may vary depending on the specific record and when it was created. More recent records tend to be more comprehensive than historical ones.

How Long Does Philadelphia County Keep Property Records?

Philadelphia County maintains property records indefinitely. As one of America's oldest cities, Philadelphia has property records dating back to the 17th century. The Philadelphia City Archives 548 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 preserves historical property records, while the Department of Records 160 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 maintains more recent documents.

The retention schedule includes:

• Current property records: Maintained in active databases and readily accessible
• Recent historical records (last 30-50 years): Available through the Department of Records
• Older historical records: Preserved at the City Archives
• Digital conversion: Ongoing efforts to digitize older records for better preservation and access

This comprehensive approach ensures that property records remain available for legal, historical, and research purposes indefinitely.

How To Find Liens on Property In Philadelphia County?

To find liens on property in Philadelphia County, you can:

1. Search the Philadelphia Department of Records 160 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 online database for recorded liens, including tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens.

2. Visit the Philadelphia Prothonotary's Office City Hall, Room 296, Philadelphia, PA 19107 to search for judgment liens filed against the property owner.

3. Check with the Philadelphia Department of Revenue 1401 JFK Blvd, Municipal Services Building, Philadelphia, PA 19102 for any outstanding tax liens.

4. Request a title search from a professional title company, which will provide a comprehensive report of all liens and encumbrances.

5. Search the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania 900 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19107 for bankruptcy filings that may affect the property.

Remember that some liens may not be immediately visible in public records, so a professional title search is recommended for complete information.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Philadelphia County?

The Property Owner Rule in Philadelphia County refers to regulations that establish the rights and responsibilities of property owners. Key aspects include:

1. Disclosure requirements: Property owners must disclose known defects when selling property.

2. Maintenance responsibilities: Owners must maintain their properties according to city codes enforced by the Department of Licenses and Inspections 1401 JFK Blvd, Municipal Services Building, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

3. Tax obligations: Property owners must pay annual real estate taxes to the City of Philadelphia.

4. Rental licensing: Owners of rental properties must obtain proper licenses and comply with the Philadelphia Fair Housing Ordinance.

5. Historic preservation: Properties in designated historic districts are subject to additional regulations overseen by the Philadelphia Historical Commission 1515 Arch Street, 13th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

6. Right of access: Property owners have the right to access their property records and challenge inaccuracies.

Understanding these rules is essential for property owners to maintain compliance with local regulations and avoid potential penalties.

Lookup Property Records in Philadelphia County

For comprehensive access to Philadelphia County property records, utilize these official resources:

• Get a copy of a deed or other recorded document - Official city service for obtaining property documents
• Department of Records Homepage - Main portal for accessing Philadelphia's property records
• City Archives - Access to historical property and building records
• Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Public Records - Additional resource for property-related court records

These resources provide reliable, up-to-date information directly from official government sources.