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New York Homeowner Lookup

How to Find Owners of Properties
in New York

New York Real Estate

When it comes to finding the owner of a property in New York, there are several reliable ways you can get the information you need. You can visit public record offices, perform a filtered search on designated websites, or even seek the assistance of property search specialists.

Whether buying or leasing, here are some good ways you can go about a property owner search in New York:

Search the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS)

The Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS), managed by the New York City Department of Finance, serves as the city's primary property records database. It contains records of deeds, mortgages, debt statements, legal agreements, and zoning descriptions. ACRIS lets you find the owner of a property for free.

To search ACRIS, you'll need a key identifier known as the Borough, Block, and Lot (BBL). Every property in New York City is assigned a unique BBL for tax purposes. If you don't know the BBL for a particular property, ACRIS enables you to find a property owner by address using a search tool that generates the correct BBL, which you can then use to access records dating back to 1966.

For most users, deeds and mortgages are the most relevant records, as they reveal information about property ownership, purchase prices, and loan amounts. ACRIS allows you to view either a summary of a property's records or a scanned image of the original document.

Visit Your Recorder's Office

You can perform a property owner search in New York by going to a county records office or the register of deeds, where changes in ownership and possession are officially recorded. Each city or county in New York has an office or agency that you can visit to obtain information about residential and commercial properties.

Ask Your County Assessor

Assessors are local government officials responsible for estimating the value of real property within the boundaries of a county, city, town, or village. County assessors maintain records on all residential and commercial properties within their jurisdiction.

The county tax collector's office typically manages these property tax records and ensures that all tax obligations are paid in full each year. County assessors review properties to confirm the accuracy of the taxes levied, and these records are available to the public. In New York, real estate tax documents often provide details such as the property owner's full name, address, and tax history.

Check the NYC 311 Portal

You can conduct a New York house owner lookup, obtain copies of, or update property ownership records, including deeds and mortgages, on the 311 portal. Copies of tax maps are also available. Various methods, online, in person, or by phone, allow you to access property ownership records and related information.

For properties located in all New York City boroughs except Staten Island, property owners, and the public can search records through ACRIS. For Staten Island properties, the Richmond County Clerk's website maintains separate records, and property owners and the public must conduct searches there.

If you prefer to search records in person, you can visit the Borough City Register Office serving your area. For Staten Island properties, the place to visit is the Richmond County Clerk's office.

For additional support or inquiries, you can call, and a 311 representative will assist you in locating or retrieving the necessary property records.

Consult Your County Clerk

Maintaining accurate and accessible real property records is crucial for facilitating property transfers or changes in ownership. The county clerk serves as the custodian of records for both land transactions and court proceedings. Many of these records are accessible online and, unless restricted by court order or statute, can also be reviewed in person at the county clerk's office.

County clerk officers handle the recording of deeds, easements, leases, mortgages, survey and subdivision maps, assignments, satisfactions, as well as liens and judgments. Most of these records are available to the public.

Engage a Title Search Agency

If you are purchasing real estate in New York and need a lender, you will require the services of a title company, as the lender will not approve the mortgage without it. If you are paying cash, a title search may not be mandatory, but skipping it is risky, and your attorney will likely advise against it. Without a proper title search, you might discover unresolved title issues, leading to significant legal troubles or making the property difficult to sell.

When a property changes ownership, errors can occur, such as mistakes in the deed or discrepancies in parcel size. A title company thoroughly investigates the title to verify its status and checks for any liens that could complicate the sale. Even if an online land search appears accurate, it may not reveal older easements, rights-of-way, or restrictions that could affect the property. A title company uncovers this critical information, which could alter the terms of the sale or prevent it from proceeding.

Seek a Commercial Service Provider's Help

Commercial service providers like PropertyChecker.com can assist with a property owner search in New York. Its platform provides a comprehensive, up-to-date database of all properties in the state, offering multiple search options. You can search by address, parcel ID, owner's name, phone number, or email. PropertyChecker.com not only helps identify current and previous owners but also uncovers the individuals or entities behind legal or business ownership of properties.

What Are the Different Types of Property Ownership in New York?

What Are the Different Types of Property Ownership in New York?

When two or more individuals purchase property together, whether a marital home or as an investment, it can be an exciting venture filled with plans and possibilities. However, it is essential to carefully consider how the property will be titled and held.

In New York, there are three primary ways to hold title: tenancy in common, joint tenancy, and tenancy by entirety. Each form of ownership offers distinct benefits, drawbacks, and legal requirements.

Choosing the right type of ownership depends on factors such as how the property will be used and whether it is intended to be retained long-term or sold in the future. Understanding these considerations is crucial in determining which form of ownership will best suit the needs and goals of the buyers.

  • Tenancy By Entirety

    When a couple marries and purchases a property, they typically take ownership as tenants by the entirety. This form of co-ownership is exclusive to married couples; no other co-owners or buyers can hold the title this way. Under a tenancy by entirety, both spouses have 100% interest in the property, meaning it is not divided between them. For this type of ownership to be valid, the couple must be married and remain so when they acquire the property. If they divorce, the title automatically converts to tenants in common.

    In New York, if one spouse passes away, the property held as tenancy by entirety automatically transfers to the surviving spouse. Any debts incurred by the deceased spouse that could impact the property will no longer be an issue for the surviving spouse, allowing them to own the title free and clear of the deceased spouse's creditors.

  • Joint Tenancy

    In a joint tenancy, each co-owner holds an equal interest in the property. For example, if there are four joint owners, each would possess a one-fourth share of ownership. If one owner decides to sell their interest in the property, they can do so without needing approval from the other co-owners. However, if a joint tenant intends to sell the entire property, this may lead to disputes, potentially requiring legal work. In the event that a joint tenant passes away, their share of the property automatically transfers to the remaining joint tenants under the right of survivorship, as outlined in the joint tenancy agreement.

  • Tenancy in Common

    Tenants in common is another method of co-owning property, allowing the parties involved to own either equal or unequal shares. This arrangement is based on the percentage of ownership. For instance, in a property owned by three individuals as tenants in common, one person might hold a 20% share, while the other two own 40% each. Each tenant has equal rights to the property, regardless of their respective ownership percentages.

    In New York, if two individuals who are not married co-own a property, state law presumes that it is held under a tenant in a common deed. This type of ownership is also the most common form of property co-ownership.

Types of Property Ownership in New York Compared

Ownership Structure Description Benefits Implications
Sole Ownership Refers to ownership by a single individual. It can also apply to ownership by a business or a trust. Full control over the property. If you are married, you cannot transfer the property without obtaining your spouse's signature on the deed.
Joint Tenancy Two or more people hold joint titles to a property. Each has the right to occupy the full property during their lifetime Property maintenance, tax obligations, insurance, and other expenses are shared by the joint tenants. A creditor who obtains a legal judgment against either owner can claim the property, requiring it to be divided, to have the debt paid.
Tenancy by Entirety When a couple marries and purchases a property, they typically take ownership as tenants by entirety. If one spouse passes away, the property held as tenancy by entirety automatically transfers to the surviving spouse. Exclusive to married couples; no other co-owners or buyers can hold the title this way.
Tenancy in Common Two or more persons hold the title to the real estate in equal or unequal percentages. Each owner has the right to occupy and use all of the property. The ownership percentages define the financial ownership of the real estate. Each owner is responsible for debts against the property, including taxes payable for the property.

New York Homeowner Lookup

  • Owner(s)
  • Deed Records
  • Loans & Liens
  • Values
  • Taxes
  • Building Permits
  • Purchase History
  • Property Details
  • And More!

Common Methods of Property Transfer in New York

Common Methods of Property Transfer in New York

Real estate deeds are legal documents used to transfer ownership of real property. Common terms employed in these deeds to facilitate the transfer include "grant", "assign", "convey", and "warrant". While the wording may differ, all these terms serve the same purpose: they transfer the ownership interest from the seller to the buyer.

In New York, the instrument used to convey title, known as the deed, can come in several different forms. Below are descriptions of the most common types of deeds used in the state:

  • Bargain and Sale Deed

    With a bargain and sale deed, the recipient acquires real property without any assurance regarding potential encumbrances unless they are specifically mentioned in the deed. The grantor only guarantees that they hold title to the property but does not warrant that the title is free from defects. This deed implies that the grantor has ownership, but it does not provide any protection against encumbrances.

  • Special Warranty Deed

    A special warranty deed limits the grantor's liability by only warranting what is explicitly stated in the deed. This type of deed functions similarly to a quitclaim deed, offering minimal assurance to the buyer. Special warranty deeds are utilized by corporations or other entities that seek to avoid the liabilities associated with a general warranty deed.

  • Quitclaim Deed

    Quitclaim deeds are utilized to transfer any interest that the grantor may have in a property. The grantor may be the legal owner or may never have been formally identified on a deed associated with the property. By executing a quitclaim deed, the grantor relinquishes and transfers their interest, without specifying the nature of that interest, if any, to the grantee. This type of deed is frequently used during divorce proceedings or estate administration, allowing for the transfer of property from one spouse or beneficiary to another.

Step-by-Step Guide to Property Transfer in New York

New York City Hall

Common ways to transfer property ownership include sale or purchase, inheritance, gifting, court order, and business or investment purposes. While legal requirements can differ, they typically involve a validly executed deed or title, consideration or payment, adherence to local laws or regulations, proper identification or authorization of the parties involved, a clear title, and the payment of any applicable taxes or fees.

The first step in changing a deed is to create a new one, as each type of deed carries a different legal status. In New York City, you will need a deed that is signed and notarized by the grantor. Additionally, this deed must be filed and recorded with the Office of the City Register. Any transfer documents indicating whether taxes are owed must also be submitted to the City Register. These transfer documents can be accessed on the NYC ACRIS website.

Once the documents are prepared and contain the necessary notarized signatures from both the grantors and grantees, they can be filed either in person or online. It's important to ensure that all applicable taxes and fees are paid before recording the documents.

When purchasing a new home in New York, three state taxes and fees are typically collected at closing:

New York Homeowner Lookup

  • Owner(s)
  • Deed Records
  • Loans & Liens
  • Values
  • Taxes
  • Building Permits
  • Purchase History
  • Property Details
  • And More!

New York Homeowner Lookup

New York Property Resources