Where to look for the landlord's name and contact information
The fastest way to find a landlord is through your county assessor's office or county recorder's office. These are public records — the assessor keeps a list of who owns each property and what they paid for it, and the recorder keeps deeds and ownership documents. You can search online on most county websites by address, and the results will show the owner's name. Some counties charge a small fee (usually under $5) to print or read the deed; others let you view it free on the website.
If the property is in a rental management company's name rather than an individual's, the deed will show that. The management company's contact details are usually on the property itself — on a sign, on the lease, or on a notice posted in a common area. If you have a lease, the landlord or management company name and address should be listed on the first page.
For properties in a city or town, call the assessor's office directly if you cannot find the information online. Give them the street address and ask for the owner's name and mailing address. This takes five minutes and costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- County assessor and recorder offices maintain public records showing who owns each property, searchable by address on their websites.
- Your lease document lists the landlord's name and mailing address on the first page if you have a signed copy.
- If a management company owns the property, the deed will show the company name, and the company's contact information is usually posted on the building.
- Calling the county assessor's office directly takes minutes and costs nothing if you cannot find the information online.
Using online property databases
Several free and paid websites aggregate property ownership data pulled from county records. Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin show owner information on their property pages, though the data updates on their own schedule and may lag behind the county records by weeks or months. Whitepages.com and Spokeo also search by address and return owner names, though they are primarily people-search sites and may charge for full contact details.
These sites are convenient if you want results in seconds, but they are not always current. If you need the landlord's exact mailing address for a formal notice or legal document, the county assessor's office record is more reliable because it is the official source.
What to do if the property is owned by a corporation or LLC
When the deed shows a company name instead of a person, you need to find who runs that company. The county recorder's office sometimes lists a registered agent — a person authorized to receive legal notices on behalf of the company. That agent's name and address should be on the deed or in a separate filing.
If no agent is listed, search your state's Secretary of State website for the company name. Every LLC and corporation registered in the state has a filing there, and the filing includes the names and addresses of the owners or managers. This is free and takes a few minutes. Once you have the agent's or manager's name, you can search for their phone number using a people-search site or by calling the county assessor again.
For large rental companies or property management firms, a quick internet search for the company name plus your city usually brings up their office phone number and website. Many have online portals where you can look up your property and find the local manager's contact information.
Finding contact information once you have the name
Once you know the owner's name, a phone number or email address may not be on the public record. Start with a basic internet search: type the name in quotes plus "landlord" or "property manager" and your city. If the landlord is a local business owner or investor, they may have a website or social media presence.
If that does not work, try a reverse phone lookup or people-search site like Whitepages, TrueCaller, or BeenVerified. These sites charge for detailed reports but often show phone numbers and addresses for free. You can also call the county assessor's office and ask if they have a phone number on file — some do, though they are not required to.
If you have a lease, the landlord's address is on it, and you can send mail there. If you do not have a lease, use the mailing address from the county record. Mail sent to the owner's address on file will reach them or their representative.
What to do if the property is in foreclosure or has changed hands recently
Property ownership can change, and county records sometimes lag behind the actual sale. If you believe the property was recently sold, check the county recorder's office for the most recent deed — it will show the new owner's name and the date of the transfer. Deeds are filed within days of a sale, so the recorder's record is usually current.
If the property is in foreclosure, the lender (usually a bank) may have the right to collect rent, but the original owner still owns it until the sale closes. The county assessor's record will show the owner of record. If you are unsure who has the legal right to collect rent during a foreclosure, contact a local legal aid office or tenant rights organization — they can tell you who to pay and what documents to keep.
Using property records for formal notices
If you need to send a formal notice to your landlord — such as a repair request, notice of lease violation, or notice to vacate — use the address from the county assessor's record or your lease. Send it by certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of delivery. Keep a copy for your records.
Some states require that notices be sent to a specific address listed on the lease or to the address where the landlord receives rent. Check your state's tenant laws or ask a local tenant rights organization before sending a formal notice, because sending it to the wrong address can delay the process or make the notice invalid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my landlord's phone number from county records?
County assessor and recorder offices do not typically list phone numbers — only names and mailing addresses. You can call the assessor's office and ask if they have a phone number on file, but they are not required to provide one. Use a people-search site or internet search to find contact information once you have the owner's name.
What if the property is owned by a trust or estate?
The deed will show the trust or estate name. The county recorder's office may have a separate filing that lists the trustee or executor — the person managing the property on behalf of the trust. If not, you can search your state's court records for the estate or trust name to find who is in charge.
Do I need the landlord's permission to look up their information?
No. Property ownership records are public, and anyone can search them. You do not need permission to find out who owns a property or to contact them about a lease, repair, or other rental matter.
What if the county website is down or hard to use?
Call the assessor's office directly during business hours. Staff can search the address for you over the phone and read you the owner's name and mailing address in minutes. This is a standard part of their job and costs nothing.
Can I find out how much the landlord paid for the property?
Yes. The deed filed with the county recorder usually shows the sale price, or you can find it on Zillow or other property sites. This information is public, but knowing the purchase price does not affect your rights as a tenant or your ability to negotiate rent.