The fastest way is to check your lease or ask your landlord directly
If you rent the property, your lease should list the landlord's name and address. If you have lost the lease or it is unclear, the simplest step is to ask whoever collects your rent — whether that is a property manager, an agent, or someone who appears in person. They are required to tell you who owns the property and provide contact details.
If you cannot reach the person who collects rent, or if you are trying to find the owner of a property you do not rent, you will need to search public records. Every property in the United States is recorded in the county where it sits, and those records are open to the public.
Key Takeaways
- Your lease lists the landlord's name and address, and the person collecting rent must provide this information if you ask.
- County assessor records and deed records are free and open to the public, searchable online in most counties.
- The county recorder's office holds the official deed showing who owns the property; you can visit in person or request a copy by mail.
- Property tax records, available through the county assessor, often show the owner's name and mailing address.
- Third-party websites aggregate this public data, but verify any result against the county records themselves.
Searching county assessor records online
The county assessor maintains a database of every property in the county, including the owner's name, mailing address, and the assessed value. Most counties now publish this database online and allow free searches by address or parcel number. Start by searching "[your county name] assessor" plus "property search" or "online database."
Once you find the assessor's website, enter the street address of the property. The results will show the owner's name as it appears on the tax record. This is usually the most current information available, because the assessor updates it when ownership changes. Write down the owner's name and any mailing address listed.
If the county assessor's website is not searchable online, call the assessor's office directly. They can tell you the owner's name over the phone, or you can visit in person with the property address.
Checking the county recorder's deed records
The county recorder keeps the official deed — the legal document that transfers ownership. The deed shows the current owner's name and is the most authoritative source. In most counties, you can search deed records online for free through the recorder's website.
Search by the property address or the owner's name if you already have it. The results will show a list of recorded deeds for that property. The most recent deed is the current ownership record. You can usually view and print the deed for free, though some counties charge a small fee to read a certified copy.
If online searching is not available, visit the recorder's office in person during business hours. Bring the property address, and staff will help you locate the deed. You can also request a certified copy by mail, though this typically takes one to two weeks and costs between $5 and $25 depending on the county.
Using property tax records
Property tax records are another reliable source and are often easier to navigate than deed records. The county assessor or tax collector publishes these records, and they show the current owner's name and the mailing address where tax bills are sent. This mailing address is often the owner's actual address or the address of their property manager.
Search the county tax assessor's website for the property address. Look for a link labeled "property tax records," "tax bill information," or "owner information." The results will display the owner's name and mailing address. If the property is managed by a company, the tax record may list the management company's address instead of the owner's.
Third-party property databases
Websites like Zillow, Trulia, and county-specific property databases aggregate public records and make them searchable in one place. These sites are free to use and can be faster than navigating individual county websites. Enter the property address, and the site will display ownership information pulled from public records.
However, these databases are only as current as their last update, which may lag behind the official county records by weeks or months. Always verify the owner's name against the county assessor or recorder records before relying on it for legal or financial decisions. If the information differs between sources, the county records are the authoritative version.
What to do if the property is owned by a company or trust
If the deed or tax record lists a company, LLC, or trust as the owner instead of a person's name, you have found the legal owner, but not necessarily the person who makes decisions about the property. A property manager or agent may handle day-to-day operations and rent collection.
If you need to contact someone about the property, start with whoever collects your rent. If you need to reach the actual owner — for example, to report a serious maintenance issue that the manager is ignoring — the county records may list a mailing address for the company or trust. You can also search the company name online to find contact information, or call the county assessor's office and ask whether additional contact details are on file.
Visiting the county office in person
If you cannot find the information online or prefer to work with a person, visit the county assessor's office or recorder's office during business hours. Bring the property address written down clearly. Staff can look up the owner's name in minutes and may be able to provide a printed copy of the record.
Some counties charge a small fee for printed copies or certified documents, usually between $1 and $5 per page. If you need a certified copy for legal purposes, ask the staff which document you need and whether it must be certified. A straightforward printout is usually free or very inexpensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find out who owns a property if I do not live there?
Yes. County assessor and recorder records are public and do not require you to be a resident or tenant. Search online or visit the county office in person with the property address. The owner's name will be listed in the deed or tax record.
What if the owner's name is different on the lease and the county records?
This can happen if the property was recently sold or transferred. The county records show the current legal owner. If your lease lists a different name, contact your property manager or the person collecting rent to confirm who you should pay and who to contact about repairs or lease issues.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a deed?
If you visit the county recorder's office in person, you can usually get a printed copy within minutes. If you request by mail, allow one to two weeks. Some counties offer expedited service for an additional fee. Call the recorder's office to ask about turnaround time and cost.
Is the information on property websites like Zillow always accurate?
Third-party websites pull data from public records, but their information may be outdated by weeks or months. Always verify against the official county assessor or recorder records before making decisions based on ownership information. County records are the authoritative source.
What if the property is owned by an out-of-state company?
The deed and tax records will list the company's name and mailing address. If you need to contact the owner about maintenance or lease issues, start with your property manager or whoever collects rent. If they do not respond, you can mail correspondence to the address listed in the county records.