Erie County Property Records
What Is Erie County Property Records
Erie County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Erie County, New York. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records establish legal ownership through a chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, all conveyances of real property must be recorded in the office of the clerk of the county where such real property is situated. This statutory requirement ensures that all property ownership changes are properly documented and accessible to the public. The Erie County Clerk serves as the official registrar of deeds, mortgages, assignments of mortgages, satisfactions of mortgages, judgments, and liens affecting real property within the county.
Property records in Erie County include:
- Deeds and other instruments of conveyance
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Tax assessment records
- Property surveys and plat maps
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
The Erie County Clerk's Office maintains the official land records for the county, while the Erie County Real Property Tax Services maintains property tax and assessment records.
Erie County Clerk's Office
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-8785
Erie County Clerk
Erie County Real Property Tax Services
Edward A. Rath County Office Building
95 Franklin Street, 9th Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-8333
Real Property Tax Services
Are Property Records Public Information In Erie County?
Property records in Erie County are public information and accessible to all citizens under New York State law. The public nature of these records is established by the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and specifically reinforced by New York Real Property Law § 291, which mandates the recording and public accessibility of property documents.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency in land ownership
- Public access serves the public interest by facilitating property transactions and preventing fraud
- Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
As stated in New York Public Officers Law § 87, government records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Property records do not fall under any exemption categories and are therefore fully accessible to the public.
The Erie County Clerk's Office and Real Property Tax Services maintain these public records and provide various methods for citizens to access them, including in-person visits, online databases, and formal written requests. While some services may require nominal fees for copies or certified documents, the right to inspect public property records is guaranteed by law.
How To Search Property Records in Erie County in 2026
Members of the public may search Erie County property records through multiple channels. The county provides comprehensive access options to accommodate various needs and preferences.
For in-person searches at the Erie County Clerk's Office:
- Visit the County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Bring identification and any relevant information about the property (address, owner name, tax map number)
- Use the public terminals available for searching the land records database
- Request assistance from clerk staff if needed
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents ($5 per page for certified copies, $0.65 per page for uncertified copies)
For in-person searches at the Real Property Tax Services Office:
- Visit the office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Provide the property address, owner name, or tax identification number
- Request assistance from staff to access assessment records, tax maps, and other property information
- Pay applicable fees for copies or printed materials
For mail or written requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate office (Clerk's Office for deeds and mortgages, Real Property Tax Services for assessment records)
- Include specific information about the property and documents needed
- Enclose the required fee payment
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
The Erie County Clerk's Office processes requests within 5 business days in accordance with New York Public Officers Law § 89(3). Expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
How To Find Property Records in Erie County Online?
Erie County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several official portals. These digital resources allow citizens to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices.
To access property records through the Erie County Clerk's online system:
- Visit the Erie County Clerk's BrowserView portal
- No account is required for basic searches
- Search by name, document type, or document number
- Select the desired document from search results
- View document information and images (where available)
- Print or save documents as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)
To search property tax and assessment records online:
- Navigate to the Erie County Real Property Tax Services property search page
- Enter search criteria (address, owner name, or tax ID number)
- Review property details including assessment value, tax information, and property characteristics
- Access tax maps and other related documents
- Print or save information as needed
For tax payment information and history:
- Visit the Erie County Tax Payment Site
- Search by property address or tax ID number
- View current and past tax bills
- Access payment history and status
- Make online payments if desired (convenience fees may apply)
These online systems are maintained pursuant to New York Technology Law § 106, which promotes electronic access to government records. The online databases are updated regularly to ensure accuracy, though users should note that the most recent transactions may not appear immediately.
How To Look Up Erie County Property Records for Free?
Erie County provides several options for citizens to access property records at no cost. While certain services and document copies may involve fees, basic record searches are available free of charge.
Free in-person access options include:
- Self-service computer terminals at the Erie County Clerk's Office allow free searching and viewing of land records
- Public access computers at the Real Property Tax Services Office provide free access to assessment records and tax maps
- Assistance from staff at both offices is available at no charge for basic inquiries
- Public libraries throughout Erie County often provide free access to county databases
Free online access options include:
- The Erie County Real Property Tax Services website offers free searching of property assessment data, including owner information, property characteristics, and assessment values
- Basic searches on the Erie County Clerk's BrowserView system are available without charge (though document image access may require fees)
- The Erie County Tax Payment Site provides free access to tax bill information
When using free services, citizens should note:
- Document viewing may be limited to on-screen display only
- Printing or obtaining certified copies typically involves fees
- More complex searches may require staff assistance or paid services
- The most recent transactions may not be immediately available in free systems
These free access options are provided in accordance with New York's commitment to government transparency and public access to information as outlined in the New York Freedom of Information Law.
What's Included in a Erie County Property Record?
Erie County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. Real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, as distinguished from personal property, which includes movable items not attached to real estate.
Property records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Erie County Clerk's Office and the Real Property Tax Services Department. Each office maintains specific types of records with varying information.
Deed records maintained by the County Clerk typically include:
- Names of grantors (sellers) and grantees (buyers)
- Legal description of the property
- Date of transfer
- Sale price or consideration
- Property restrictions or covenants
- Signatures of parties and notarization
- Recording information (date, time, book, and page)
Mortgage records contain:
- Names of borrowers and lenders
- Loan amount and terms
- Legal description of the property
- Signatures and notarization
- Recording information
Assessment records maintained by Real Property Tax Services include:
- Property owner name and mailing address
- Property location and address
- Tax identification number
- Property classification code
- Land and improvement values
- Total assessed value
- Tax exemption information
- Property characteristics (lot size, building size, number of rooms, etc.)
- Year built and renovation information
- Sales history
Additional documents that may be included in property records are:
- Tax maps showing property boundaries
- Subdivision plats
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Liens and judgments
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning information
Pursuant to New York Real Property Tax Law § 500, assessment records must include specific information about each parcel of real property within the county, ensuring comprehensive documentation of property characteristics and values.
How Long Does Erie County Keep Property Records?
Erie County maintains property records permanently for most essential documents related to real property ownership and transfers. This permanent retention policy ensures the continuous chain of title and provides historical documentation of property ownership throughout the county's history.
The retention of property records is governed by the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25 and the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule established by the New York State Archives. Under these regulations:
- Deed records are retained permanently
- Mortgage records are retained permanently
- Satisfaction of mortgage documents are retained permanently
- Tax assessment rolls are retained permanently
- Property record cards are retained permanently
- Tax maps are retained permanently
- Building permits are typically retained for the life of the structure plus 6 years
- Certificates of occupancy are retained permanently
- Property tax payment records are retained for 6 years
While most property records are maintained permanently, certain supplementary or administrative records may have shorter retention periods. The Erie County Clerk's Office maintains land records dating back to the county's formation in 1821, providing an unbroken chain of property ownership documentation for over 200 years.
Digital preservation efforts are currently underway to ensure the long-term accessibility of these records. Many historical documents have been digitized and are available through the county's online systems, though some older records may only be available in physical format at the County Clerk's Office.
How To Find Liens on Property In Erie County?
Liens on property in Erie County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold, and identifying existing liens is a crucial step in property transactions.
To search for liens at the Erie County Clerk's Office:
- Visit the County Clerk's Office in person or access the online records system
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Specify "lien" as the document type in advanced search options
- Review results for various types of liens, including:
- Tax liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal tax liens
- Child support liens
- Condominium or HOA liens
For tax liens specifically:
- Contact the Erie County Real Property Tax Services or visit their office
- Provide the property address or tax identification number
- Request information about any delinquent property taxes or tax liens
- Check with the city or town tax collector for municipal tax liens
For judgment liens:
- Search the County Clerk's judgment index
- Provide the name of the property owner
- Review any judgments that may have been filed against the owner
For federal tax liens:
- Search the County Clerk's federal tax lien index
- Provide the name of the property owner
- Review any federal tax liens filed against the owner
Professional title searches are recommended for comprehensive lien identification, as they will include a thorough examination of all potential encumbrances on a property. Title companies maintain their own databases and have expertise in identifying all types of liens that may affect property ownership.
Erie County Clerk's Office
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-8785
Erie County Clerk
What Is Property Owner Rule In Erie County?
The Property Owner Rule in Erie County refers to the set of regulations governing property ownership, transfer, and recording requirements within the county. These rules are established by New York State law and implemented by Erie County officials.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
- All property transfers must be recorded with the Erie County Clerk's Office within a reasonable time after execution, as required by New York Real Property Law § 291
- Property deeds must contain specific information, including grantor and grantee names, property description, and consideration amount
- All deeds must be accompanied by a Real Property Transfer Report (RP-5217) and a Transfer Tax Return (TP-584)
- Property owners must notify the county of any change in mailing address for tax bill purposes
- Property owners are responsible for paying all property taxes, regardless of whether they receive a tax bill
- New property owners must file for any applicable exemptions within the designated timeframe
- Property owners must comply with all zoning regulations and building codes
- Property owners must obtain necessary permits for construction, renovation, or demolition
The rule of "first in time, first in right" applies to recorded documents in Erie County. This means that when conflicting claims to property exist, priority is generally given to the claim that was recorded first. This principle underscores the importance of promptly recording all property transactions.
Property owners should also be aware that Erie County follows the "race-notice" recording statute, which protects subsequent purchasers who record their interest without knowledge of prior unrecorded interests. This system incentivizes prompt recording of all property documents to establish legal priority.