Kings County Property Records
What Is Kings County Property Records
Kings County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Kings County, New York. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout Brooklyn, which is coterminous with Kings County. 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 Kings County are maintained by the Office of the City Register, which operates under the New York City Department of Finance. These records include:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Liens and lien releases
- Easements and covenants
- Tax records and assessments
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to provide a transparent, accessible system of property ownership that protects the rights of property owners while allowing interested parties to verify ownership claims and encumbrances. The Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) serves as the official digital repository for Kings County property records.
Are Property Records Public Information In Kings County?
Property records in Kings County are public information, accessible to all members of the public regardless of residency or stated purpose. This public access is mandated by both the New York State Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90) and specific provisions in the New York Real Property Law § 291 governing the recording of instruments affecting real property.
The legal basis for public access to property records rests on several foundational principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates legitimate real estate transactions
Under current law, any individual may access Kings County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the longstanding legal tradition that property ownership information must be publicly available to protect the interests of all parties involved in potential real estate transactions.
Kings County City Register's Office
210 Joralemon Street, Room 2
Brooklyn, NY 11201
347-643-7636
NYC Department of Finance
How To Search Property Records in Kings County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search Kings County property records may utilize several methods currently available through the New York City Department of Finance. The primary search methods include:
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Online Database Search
- Access the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS)
- Select "Property Records Search" from the main menu
- Choose "Brooklyn" or "Kings County" from the borough selection
- Search by address, block and lot number, or document type
- Review search results and select documents for viewing
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In-Person Search at the City Register's Office
- Visit the Kings County City Register's Office during business hours
- Complete a property search request form
- Provide property identification information (address or block/lot)
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Request copies of relevant documents (fees may apply)
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Property Tax Records Search
- Access the NYC Department of Finance Property Tax System
- Enter the property address or block and lot number
- Review property tax information, assessment history, and ownership data
For complex searches or historical records that may not be fully digitized, the assistance of City Register staff may be necessary. Official copies of property records, when required for legal purposes, can be obtained with certification for an additional fee as prescribed by the New York City Administrative Code.
How To Find Property Records in Kings County Online?
Kings County property records are accessible online through several official digital platforms maintained by New York City agencies. The following step-by-step process outlines how to locate these records:
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ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System)
- Navigate to the ACRIS property records portal
- Select "Search Property Records" from the menu options
- Choose "Brooklyn" as the borough
- Search using one of the following methods:
- Document search (by document type and date range)
- Property search (by address or block and lot)
- Party name search (for individuals or entities)
- Review the list of documents and select those needed for viewing
- Download or print document images as needed
-
NYC Department of Finance Property Tax System
- Access the NYC Property Tax System
- Select "Brooklyn" as the borough
- Enter the street number and street name
- Review property tax information, including:
- Current ownership information
- Property valuation and assessment history
- Tax payment status
- Building classification
-
NYC Building Information System (BIS)
- Visit the NYC Department of Buildings BIS portal
- Select "Property Profile" from the available search options
- Enter the Brooklyn address information
- Review building permits, violations, and certificates of occupancy
Users should note that while basic property record searches are free, downloading or printing certain documents may incur fees as established by the New York City Administrative Code. Additionally, some historical records may have limited online availability and might require in-person research.
How To Look Up Kings County Property Records for Free?
Kings County residents and other interested parties may access property records without charge through several methods currently available:
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Free Online Access Options
- ACRIS Public Search - Provides free search capabilities and viewing of document images
- NYC Property Tax Public Access - Offers free access to property tax information and basic ownership data
- NYC Digital Tax Map - Provides free access to tax maps showing property boundaries
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Free In-Person Access
- Visit the Kings County City Register's Office during public counter hours
- Use public terminals to search property records at no charge
- View documents on-screen without printing to avoid fees
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Brooklyn Public Library Resources
- Several Brooklyn Public Library branches offer free access to property research databases
- Library staff can assist with navigating property record systems
- Historical property records may be available through library archives
While searching and viewing property records is free, users should be aware that obtaining official copies, certified documents, or extensive printouts may incur fees as established by the New York City Administrative Code § 7-707. The current fee schedule is available at the City Register's Office and on the Department of Finance website.
Brooklyn Public Library - Central Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-230-2100
Brooklyn Public Library
What's Included in a Kings County Property Record?
Kings County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county boundaries. Real property, as defined by New York Real Property Law § 2, includes land and permanently attached structures, while personal property (movable items) is not included in these records.
Property records in Kings County are maintained by multiple offices, primarily the City Register's Office and the Department of Finance. These records typically include:
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Ownership Documents
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, and special warranty)
- Transfer documents and declarations
- Certificates of real estate value
- Death certificates affecting property ownership
- Probate records related to property inheritance
-
Financial Encumbrances
- Mortgages and mortgage assignments
- Mortgage satisfactions and releases
- Tax liens (federal, state, and local)
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens affecting the property
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Property Characteristics
- Legal description of the property
- Block and lot identification numbers
- Property boundaries and dimensions
- Zoning classification
- Land use restrictions and covenants
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Assessment and Taxation Information
- Property tax assessment values
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
- Tax exemptions and abatements
- Property tax classification
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Building Information
- Building permits
- Certificates of occupancy
- Building code violations
- Environmental notices
- Historic designation status
Each property record contains detailed information that establishes the chain of title, identifies current and past owners, documents financial interests, and provides essential details about the physical characteristics and legal status of the property. This information is vital for real estate transactions, property tax administration, and legal proceedings affecting real property in Kings County.
How Long Does Kings County Keep Property Records?
Kings County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1, which governs records management for local government entities throughout New York State. These retention requirements ensure the preservation of essential property documentation for appropriate periods.
The retention periods for various property records in Kings County are as follows:
- Deeds and Property Transfer Documents: Permanent retention
- Mortgage Records: Permanent retention
- Satisfaction of Mortgage Documents: Permanent retention
- Tax Liens and Releases: Permanent retention
- Judgment Liens: Retained until satisfied or expired, plus 10 years
- Building Permits: Permanent retention for approved permits
- Property Tax Records: 6 years after payment or final determination
- Property Assessment Rolls: Permanent retention
- Zoning Variance Records: Permanent retention
- Easements and Right-of-Way Agreements: Permanent retention
The permanent retention of most property records reflects their enduring legal and historical significance. These records document the chain of title and property interests that may remain relevant for generations. The City Register's Office maintains these permanent records in both physical and digital formats, with ongoing digitization efforts to preserve historical documents.
For records with limited retention periods, the Department of Finance follows systematic disposition procedures in accordance with state mandates. However, even after official retention periods expire, many historical property records are preserved through archival programs maintained by the New York City Municipal Archives, ensuring their availability for historical research.
How To Find Liens on Property In Kings County?
Locating liens on Kings County property requires searching several different record systems, as various types of liens may be filed with different government offices. The following process outlines the current methods for conducting a comprehensive lien search:
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Tax Liens Search
- Access the NYC Department of Finance Property Tax System
- Enter the property address or block and lot number
- Review the "Charges" section for any outstanding tax liens
- Check for water and sewer liens under utility charges
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Judgment Liens Search
- Visit the New York State Unified Court System website
- Search for judgments against the property owner's name
- Judgments docketed in Kings County automatically become liens on real property owned by the judgment debtor
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Federal Tax Liens Search
- Search the ACRIS system for federal tax liens
- Select "Brooklyn" as the borough
- Choose "Federal Tax Liens" as the document type
- Enter the property owner's name or property information
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Mechanics' Liens Search
- Access the Kings County Clerk's Office records
- Search for mechanics' liens filed against the specific property
- These liens are typically filed by contractors or material suppliers for unpaid work
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UCC Financing Statement Search
- Check for UCC filings that may affect fixtures on the property
- Search through the New York Department of State UCC database
For a comprehensive lien search, property owners or interested parties may wish to engage a title company or attorney specializing in real estate matters. These professionals have expertise in searching all potential sources of liens and can provide a complete lien report. Additionally, in-person searches can be conducted at the following location:
Kings County Clerk's Office
360 Adams Street, Room 189
Brooklyn, NY 11201
347-404-9772
Kings County Clerk
What Is Property Owner Rule In Kings County?
The Property Owner Rule in Kings County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, recording requirements, and notice provisions under New York State law. These rules establish the framework for property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirement
- Pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, every instrument affecting real property must be recorded in the office of the clerk of the county where the property is situated
- Unrecorded conveyances are void against subsequent purchasers who record their interests first
- This "race-notice" system protects those who properly record their interests in good faith
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Constructive Notice Doctrine
- Properly recorded documents provide constructive notice to all parties
- Under New York Real Property Law § 290, once a document is recorded, all persons are deemed to have notice of its contents
- This principle applies regardless of whether parties have actual knowledge of the recorded document
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Property Tax Responsibility
- Property owners are responsible for all property taxes assessed against their property
- Tax liens take priority over most other liens and encumbrances
- Failure to pay property taxes can result in tax foreclosure proceedings
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Disclosure Requirements
- Property owners must disclose certain conditions when selling property
- The Property Condition Disclosure Act requires sellers to complete a standardized disclosure form
- Failure to provide required disclosures may result in liability
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Adverse Possession Rules
- Under New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law § 501, a person may acquire title to property through adverse possession after 10 years of continuous, hostile, open, and notorious possession
- 2008 amendments to the law made adverse possession more difficult by requiring a reasonable belief that the property belongs to the possessor
These rules collectively establish the legal framework governing property ownership in Kings County. Property owners must comply with recording requirements to protect their interests and fulfill their responsibilities regarding taxes, disclosures, and maintenance of their properties in accordance with local regulations.
Lookup Property Records in Kings County
Automated City Register Information System