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 keep public records of who owns every property in the county. You can search by address on their website, usually free, and get the owner's name in minutes. Some counties call this office the "assessor," others call it the "appraiser" or "recorder," but every county has one.

Go to your county government website and look for "property records," "assessor search," or "property appraiser." Type in the street address. The record will show the owner's name and sometimes a mailing address. If the property is owned by a company or LLC rather than a person, the record shows the company name — you may need to dig further to find who runs it.

If you cannot find an online search, call the assessor's office directly. They can tell you the owner's name over the phone, and some will mail you a copy of the deed for a small fee.

Key Takeaways

  • County assessor records are public and searchable online by address in most places, and they show who owns the property.
  • If the owner is a company or LLC, you may need to search your state's business registration database to find the person who runs it.
  • The county recorder's office holds deeds and mortgage documents that show ownership history and sometimes a mailing address.
  • If the property is in a trust or held by a property management company, you can request contact information from the county or ask your local housing authority for help.

Search your state's business registration database

If the assessor's record shows the property is owned by an LLC, corporation, or partnership, search your state's Secretary of State website or business registration database. Every state maintains a public record of registered businesses, and you can search by company name to find the registered agent — the person legally responsible for receiving documents on behalf of the company.

The registered agent's name and address are public information. This person is often the owner or manager, or they can direct you to the right person. Some states call this the "business entity search" or "corporate records search." Go to your state government website and look for "Secretary of State" or "business registration."

Check the county recorder's office for the deed

The county recorder keeps copies of deeds — the legal documents that transfer ownership. A deed shows who bought the property, when, and sometimes includes a mailing address. You can search the recorder's website by address or owner name, usually free. If you find a recent deed, it may list a current address for the owner.

Deeds also show if the property is in a trust. If it is, the deed names the trust and trustee. You can then search for the trustee's contact information or ask the county assessor for help locating them.

Look for a property management company

If the property is managed by a company, that company's name often appears on the assessor's record, the deed, or in mortgage documents. A property management company can tell you how to contact the owner or pass along a message. Call the management company and ask for the owner's contact information — they may give it to you directly, or they may pass along your request.

You can also search online for the management company's website. Many list their properties and contact information for tenants. If you live in the property, the management company's name and phone number should be on your lease or in any notices you have received.

Ask your local housing authority or tenant rights organization

If you are having trouble locating the owner, your local housing authority or a tenant rights organization can help. Housing authorities maintain records of landlords in their area and sometimes have staff who can help you find contact information. Tenant rights organizations often help renters locate landlords when disputes arise.

Call your city or county housing authority and describe the property. They may be able to tell you the owner's name or point you toward the right office. You can also contact a local legal aid office or tenant union — they handle these requests regularly and know which records to check.

Search online property databases

Websites like Zillow, Trulia, and county-specific property search sites sometimes show owner information alongside property details. These sites pull data from public records, so the information is the same as what you would find at the assessor's office, but the search interface may be easier to use.

Be aware that these sites do not always have current information — ownership can change, and it takes time for the sites to update. Use them as a starting point, but confirm what you find by checking the county assessor's record directly.

Request information from the county if the owner is hard to reach

If you have found the owner's name but cannot locate a current address or phone number, the county assessor or recorder can sometimes help. Some counties will mail a letter to the owner on your behalf, or they can tell you if a more recent deed or mortgage document has been filed that includes updated contact information.

You can also file a public records request asking for all documents related to the property — this includes deeds, mortgages, and tax records, many of which list addresses. The request usually costs a small fee and takes one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the property is owned by someone out of state?

Out-of-state owners are listed in the same county records as local owners. The assessor's record will show their name and mailing address, which is usually where you should send notices or correspondence. If the address is incomplete, the county recorder's deed may have more detail.

Can I find the landlord if the property is in a trust?

Yes. The deed will name the trust and the trustee. You can search for the trustee's contact information online or ask the county assessor for help. If the trustee is a company, search your state's business registration database the same way you would for an LLC.

What if I need to serve the landlord with legal papers?

For legal service, you need the owner's current address, not just their name. The county assessor's record usually shows a mailing address. If that address is old, ask the county recorder for the most recent deed or mortgage document, which may have a newer address. If you are filing a court case, the court clerk can tell you what address counts as proper service in your area.

Is the information I find online always current?

County records are public and updated when deeds or mortgages are filed, but there can be a delay of weeks or months. If you find an address that seems old, check the date on the deed. If it is more than a year old, call the assessor's office to ask if a newer deed has been filed.

What if the owner does not want to be found?

Property ownership is public record, and the owner cannot hide their name. However, they can use a company or trust to own the property instead of their own name. If you have found a company name but cannot reach anyone, the county assessor or a tenant rights organization can help you track down the registered agent or trustee.