Start with the property address and your county assessor
The fastest way to find a landlord is through your county assessor's office, which keeps a public record of who owns every property in the county. You can search by address on the assessor's website — most counties offer free online lookup — and the record will show the owner's name and mailing address. This is the same information used for property tax bills, so it is current and official.
If the property is managed by a company rather than owned directly, the assessor's record shows the owner, not the manager. You may need to take a second step to find the management company, but the owner's name is your starting point.
If you do not know how to access your county assessor's website, search "[your county name] assessor" plus "property search" in any search engine. Most sites ask only for the street address.
Key Takeaways
- Your county assessor's office maintains a free public database of property owners by address, searchable online on most county websites.
- The assessor's record shows the owner's name and mailing address, though not always the management company if one exists.
- If the owner is a company or trust, you may need to search your county's business records or deed records to find contact details.
- Tenant rights organizations and legal aid offices can help you locate a landlord if the assessor's record is unclear or outdated.
Check the deed and business records if the owner is a company
When the assessor's record lists a company, LLC, or trust as the owner, the name alone may not give you a phone number or mailing address. The next step is the county recorder's office, which keeps copies of the deed — the legal document that transferred ownership. The deed usually lists a contact address for the owner or their representative.
If the owner is an LLC or corporation, search your state's business database (usually run by the Secretary of State) for the company name. This search will show a registered agent — a person or office designated to receive legal papers on behalf of the company. The registered agent's address is public and is a valid place to send a letter to the landlord.
Many states allow you to search business records online for free. Search "[your state name] Secretary of State business search" to find the database.
Look at the lease or rental agreement you signed
If you have a signed lease, it should list the landlord's name and address at the top or in the signature block. This is often the fastest source if you still have the document. Check the "landlord" or "owner" line and any address listed for notices or rent payment.
If the lease lists a management company rather than an individual, that company is your point of contact for repairs and rent issues, even if they do not own the building. The management company can tell you who the owner is if you need that information for a legal matter.
Ask the property manager or current tenant
If a management company is listed on the lease or on a sign at the property, call or visit their office and ask for the owner's contact information. Management companies are required to know who they work for and can usually provide this in writing.
If you are moving into a property and the previous tenant is still there or recently left, they may have contact information for the landlord. Ask them directly or check if they left any documents behind with the landlord's name and phone number.
Search online property databases and tax records
Several free websites aggregate property records from county assessors and allow you to search by address. Sites like Zillow, Trulia, and county-specific property search tools often show owner names, though the information may lag behind the official county record by several months.
Tax assessor records are also sometimes available through your county's GIS (geographic information system) map, which displays property boundaries and ownership side by side. Search "[your county name] GIS map" to see if your county offers this tool.
These sites are useful for a quick check, but the official county assessor's office record is more reliable for current information.
Contact your local tenant rights organization if you hit a dead end
If the assessor's record is unclear, outdated, or lists a company you cannot reach, your city or county tenant rights office or legal aid organization can help you locate the landlord. Many of these organizations have staff who specialize in finding landlords and can guide you through the process or do the search for you.
Call 211 (a free referral service) or search "[your city name] tenant rights" to find a local organization. Explain that you need to contact your landlord and have not been able to locate them. They can often provide a phone number or address within a day or two.
Serve notice by certified mail if you cannot find the landlord in person
If you have tried the assessor's office, the deed, and the business records but still cannot locate a current address, you can send a letter by certified mail to the address listed in the assessor's record. Certified mail creates a paper trail showing the landlord received the letter, which is important if you later need to prove you tried to contact them.
Address the letter to "Owner of [property address]" if you do not have a name, or use the name from the assessor's record. Send it to the mailing address listed there. Keep a copy of the certified mail receipt for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the assessor's record lists a trust or estate?
A trust or estate name means the property is held in that legal structure rather than by an individual. Search your county recorder's office for the trust deed or the probate court records if it is an estate. The trustee or executor's name and contact information should be listed in those documents. You can also ask a tenant rights organization to help you identify the current trustee.
Can I find a landlord's phone number from the assessor's record?
The assessor's record shows a mailing address but usually not a phone number. Once you have the owner's name and address, search for them online using Google, or call directory information. If the owner is a company, call the management office listed on the property or search the company's website.
What if the property is owned by a foreign company or out-of-state LLC?
Search the Secretary of State database for the state where the company is registered, not necessarily the state where the property is. The registered agent listed there is a valid contact point. You can also ask the county assessor's office whether they have a local agent or representative listed for the owner.
Is the information in the assessor's record always current?
Assessor records are usually updated annually or when a property changes hands, so they may lag by several months. If the record looks outdated, check the county recorder's office for recent deeds, which are filed when ready when a sale closes. Recent deeds show the current owner.
What should I do if I find the landlord but they do not respond to my letters?
If you have sent certified mail and received no response, contact your local tenant rights organization or legal aid office. They can advise you on your next steps, which may include filing a complaint with your city or county housing authority or pursuing a legal claim. Keep copies of all letters and certified mail receipts.