Start with the county assessor or property appraiser
The fastest way to find a landlord is through your county assessor's office or property appraiser's office—they maintain public records of who owns every property in the county. You can visit their office in person, call them, or search their database online. Most counties now offer free searchable databases on their websites where you enter the street address and get back the owner's name and mailing address.
The owner listed may be an individual, a company, a trust, or a property management firm. If it's a company or trust name rather than a person, you'll have additional steps to find the actual contact person, but the assessor's record is always the legal starting point.
Search terms vary by county—look for "property appraiser," "assessor," "tax assessor," or "property records." If you can't find an online database, call the main county courthouse and ask for the assessor's office phone number.
Key Takeaways
- County assessor or property appraiser records are public and searchable by address in most counties, either online or by phone.
- The owner listed may be a property management company rather than an individual, and you may need to contact them to reach the actual landlord.
- Deed records at the county clerk's office show the legal owner and are free to search in person or by mail.
- If the property is rented through a management company, that company's contact information is often posted on the building or available through the assessor's office.
- Tenant rights organizations and local housing authorities can help you locate a landlord if the property owner is hiding or unresponsive.
Check the county clerk's deed records
The county clerk's office keeps deed records—the legal documents that transfer property ownership. These are public records, and you can search them by property address. The most recent deed shows who currently owns the property and often includes their mailing address.
You can search deed records in person at the county clerk's office, by phone, or online through the county's website. Some counties charge a small fee to print or mail copies, but the search itself is free. The deed may list a business address, a home address, or a lawyer's office address—all are legitimate contact points for the owner.
Deeds sometimes list the owner as a limited liability company (LLC) or trust. If that's the case, the deed itself won't tell you the person behind it, but the property management company or the assessor's office can often direct you to the right contact.
Look for a property management company name on the building
Many landlords hire property management companies to handle rent collection, repairs, and tenant communication. If the property is managed by a company, there's often a sign on the building, in the lobby, or on the mailbox with the company's name and phone number.
Call that number and ask for the landlord's contact information or ask to report a maintenance issue. The management company is legally required to tell you how to reach the owner or their representative for official notices. They may not volunteer personal details, but they must provide a way for you to communicate about your lease and your rights as a tenant.
If you find a management company name but no phone number on the building, search for the company online or call directory information. Management companies are businesses and are listed publicly.
Search online property databases and real estate websites
Websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin display property ownership information pulled from public records. Enter the street address and you'll often see the owner's name, the property's tax value, and sometimes a mailing address. These sites are free and don't require registration.
Some counties also maintain their own searchable property databases separate from the assessor's office. Search "[your county name] property records" or "[your county name] GIS" (geographic information system) to find the county's own tool.
Be aware that online databases sometimes lag behind recent sales or transfers by several months. If the property was recently sold, the assessor's office will have the most current information.
Contact your local housing authority or tenant rights organization
If you've tried the above steps and can't locate the landlord, or if the landlord is unresponsive, your local housing authority or tenant rights organization can help. These groups work with landlords regularly and often have contact information or can advise you on how to proceed.
Call your city or county housing authority and describe the property and situation. They may be able to tell you who manages it or direct you to the right office. Tenant rights organizations (often called legal aid societies or tenant unions) can also help you locate a landlord and understand your options if they're avoiding contact.
If you need to serve the landlord with a formal notice—for repairs, rent withholding, or other legal action—these organizations can tell you the proper way to do it and whether you can post notice on the property if the landlord can't be found.
Use property tax records if the owner is hiding
If a landlord is deliberately avoiding contact, property tax records are a reliable backup. The county assessor must send tax bills to the property owner, so the address on the tax bill is may provide to be current. You can request a copy of the tax bill or tax record from the assessor's office—it's a public document and costs little or nothing.
The tax record shows the owner's name and the mailing address where the county sends the tax bill. Even if the owner uses a fake name or a business address, the tax record is the address the government uses to reach them, and it's the address you should use for any formal notice.
If the property is in foreclosure or has unpaid taxes, the county assessor's office can tell you that as well, and it may explain why the landlord is unresponsive.
Understand what to do once you have the landlord's information
Once you have the landlord's name and address, keep that information in a safe place. You'll need it if you have to send formal notices about repairs, lease violations, or rent disputes. Send important communications by certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
If the landlord is a company or management firm, ask for the name of the person who handles tenant matters. If you're calling, ask for the property manager or leasing agent. Having a specific contact person makes communication faster and creates a paper trail if you need to take legal action later.
If the landlord is unresponsive after you've made a good-faith effort to contact them, document those attempts. Keep copies of letters, emails, and notes of phone calls with dates and times. This documentation is important if you ever need to file a complaint with your local housing authority or take legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the property is owned by an LLC or trust?
An LLC or trust name alone doesn't tell you who to contact. Call the property management company listed on the assessor's record, or call the county assessor's office and ask for the registered agent or contact person for that LLC. The registered agent is the person legally responsible for receiving notices on behalf of the company.
Can I find the landlord's personal address, or just a business address?
Public records usually show a mailing address, which may be a business office, a lawyer's office, or a home address. You're may have access to to use whatever address appears on the public record. If you need to serve formal notice, use the address on the deed or tax record—that's the address the law recognizes.
What if the property records show someone who isn't the current landlord?
Property records can lag by a few months after a sale. Call the number listed and ask if they still own the property or who the current owner is. If they've sold it, they should be able to tell you who bought it, or you can check the assessor's office again in a few weeks.
Do I have to pay to search property records?
Searching is free in most counties. Some counties charge a small fee to print or mail copies of documents, but looking up an address online or asking questions by phone costs nothing. If someone tells you that you must pay to find a landlord, they are not directing you to a legitimate public resource.
What if the landlord refuses to give me their address?
You don't need the landlord's permission to find their address—it's public record. Use the county assessor's office or deed records. If the landlord is refusing to communicate about repairs or lease issues, contact your local tenant rights organization, which can advise you on your legal options and how to serve notice properly.