Monroe County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Monroe County in 2026
MonroeNYRecords.us and other public-access platforms provide data and publicly available information related to property records in Monroe County, New York. Members of the public may find ownership histories, assessed values, recorded deeds, mortgage instruments, tax information, and lien filings. Record categories available through official channels include deeds and conveyances, property tax assessments, mortgage recordings, judgment and mechanic's liens, plat maps, and zoning designations.
Records may be searched through several official Monroe County resources, each maintained by a distinct county department. The primary portals are the Monroe County Real Property Tax Service, the Monroe County Clerk's Land Records system, the Monroe County Treasury and Property Tax office, and the Monroe County Planning and Development Department. Each resource serves a specific function and provides access to different categories of property data.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches through county-hosted portals (most convenient, available at no cost)
- In-person visits to county offices for certified copies and staff-assisted research
- By mail, with written requests submitted to the appropriate department
- Through licensed professionals such as title companies, real estate attorneys, and abstractors
1. Property Appraiser / Real Property Tax Service Website
The Monroe County Real Property Tax Service administers property assessment data for all parcels within the county. Real estate activities, including space management and tax mapping, are overseen by the Director of Real Property Tax Service.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID or tax map number
- By municipality or town
- By GIS map location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and transfer dates
- GIS map location and property boundaries
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Monroe County Real Property Tax Service portal
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the specific parcel to view the full property record
- Review ownership data, assessment values, and sales history
- Print or save the information as needed
The Monroe County Portal–Real Property Assessment Data, hosted in coordination with individual town assessment offices such as the Town of Perinton, contains tax parcel data searchable by the public at no charge and without registration.
2. County Clerk Land Records Search
The Monroe County Clerk maintains the official land records index for all recorded instruments affecting real property within the county. The County Clerk Land Records system allows members of the public to search recorded documents by grantor and grantee name, document type, and recording date range.
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and subdivision maps
- Lis pendens filings
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
How to Search:
- Access the Monroe County Clerk Land Records portal
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the name or document criteria
- Review the index results
- Select a document to view the image (fees may apply for certified copies)
- Note the instrument number or book and page reference for future use
3. Tax Collector / Treasury Website
The Monroe County Treasury and Property Tax office administers county property tax billing, collection, and delinquency records. Members of the public may search tax account information by property address, owner name, or parcel number.
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Outstanding balances and delinquency information
- Exemptions applied to the parcel
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Payment history for prior years
- Installment plan status and payment options
4. GIS and Mapping System
Monroe County maintains an interactive GIS mapping system that allows visual property searches, including aerial photography, property boundary overlays, zoning layers, flood zone designations, and environmental features. Users may navigate the map to a specific location, click on a parcel, and access linked property records and assessment data.
In-Person Searches:
Monroe County Real Property Tax Service
39 W. Main Street, Room 101
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1125
Real Property Tax Service
Monroe County Clerk – Land Records Division
39 W. Main Street, Room 101
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1600
County Clerk Land Records
Monroe County Treasury / Property Tax
County Office Building, Room B2
39 W. Main Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1200
Treasury / Property Tax
By Mail Requests:
Requests for copies of recorded documents may be submitted by mail to the Monroe County Clerk's Land Records Division at 39 W. Main Street, Rochester, NY 14614. Requestors should specify the instrument by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests affecting a parcel. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties and pull comparable sales histories as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
- When searching by owner name, attempt both last-name-first and full-name formats
- Try spelling variations and both current and previous owner names
- When searching by address, attempt entries with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel ID number across multiple databases
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
- Records predating county digitization efforts may require an in-person visit to the Clerk's office
What Is Monroe County Property Records
Monroe County property records are official documents related to real property—land and buildings—maintained by county government agencies as legal records of ownership, encumbrances, and transactions. These records establish chain of title, document property transfers, record mortgages and liens, support property tax assessment, and protect property rights. Under New York Real Property Law § 291, every conveyance of real property not recorded is void against any subsequent purchaser who records in good faith and for valuable consideration, establishing the foundational legal purpose of the recording system.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Chain of title and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
- Transfer records and conveyance instruments
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and assessment rolls
- Tax bills and payment history
- Exemption applications (homestead, senior, veteran, agricultural)
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Survey plats and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning designations
- Land use classifications
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Monroe County Clerk maintains official recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Monroe County Real Property Tax Service maintains property valuations, assessment records, and ownership information. The Monroe County Treasury administers tax billing and collection records. The Monroe County Planning and Development Department maintains zoning records, land use designations, and planning documents, integrating planning services with economic and community development functions.
Are Property Records Public Information in Monroe County?
Property records in Monroe County are public information. Under New York Public Officers Law § 87, government agencies are required to make records available for public inspection and copying, subject to limited exemptions. Property records do not fall within any standard exemption category and are accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose, residency requirement, or ownership interest in the property.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- New York Public Officers Law (Freedom of Information Law)
- New York Real Property Law recording statutes
- Common law tradition of public land records
- Centuries-old practice in American property law establishing constructive notice through public recording
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency in property ownership serves multiple public interests. The recording system provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers, preventing fraudulent transfers and establishing priority among competing interests. Public access enables real estate transactions, title searches, property appraisals, mortgage lending, market analysis, and investment research. Tax assessment transparency supports accountability in property taxation and community planning. Genealogical researchers, historians, and journalists also rely on property records as primary source documents.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances of record
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics including size, age, and building type
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under current New York law. Certain individuals—including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims—may request address confidentiality protections under applicable state provisions. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is subject to separate access policies administered by the relevant assessment office.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access Monroe County property records. There is no residency requirement, ownership requirement, or business purpose requirement. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners reviewing their own records, investors, developers, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use:
Commercial entities may aggregate and use public property records for real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance, investment analysis, and market research. Such use is legally permissible under current law, provided it does not violate anti-harassment statutes, fair housing laws, or other applicable legal restrictions.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Monroe County?
Members of the public may inspect property records online at no charge through the county's official portals. Fees apply when requesting physical copies or certified documents.
Current Fee Structure – Monroe County Clerk (Land Records):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a deed (first page) | $45.00 |
| Recording a deed (each additional page) | $5.00 |
| Recording a mortgage (first page) | $45.00 |
| Recording a mortgage (each additional page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded instrument | $5.00 per document + $1.00 per page |
| Uncertified copy of a recorded instrument | $1.00 per page |
| Search fee (Clerk-conducted name search) | $5.00 per two-year period searched |
Recording fees in New York are governed by New York County Law § 909, which establishes the authority of county clerks to collect fees for recording, filing, and certifying instruments. Additional mortgage recording taxes apply at the time of recording and are separate from copy fees.
Monroe County Real Property Tax Service:
- Online access to assessment data: Free
- Property record card copies: Fees vary; contact the office at (585) 753-1125
Monroe County Treasury / Property Tax:
- Online tax account lookup: Free
- Copies of tax bills: Fees vary; contact the office at (585) 753-1200
Accepted Payment Methods:
- In person: Cash, check, money order, and credit/debit card (fees may apply for card payments)
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Monroe County Clerk
Fee Waivers: No general fee waiver provision applies to property record copy requests under current New York law. Government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may be entitled to reduced fees in specific circumstances; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant office.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of assessment data through the Monroe County Real Property Tax Service portal
- Online viewing of tax account information through the Monroe County Treasury
- Online index searches through the Monroe County Clerk Land Records system
- GIS mapping and parcel boundary data
What's Included in a Monroe County Property Record
A Monroe County property record is a comprehensive compilation of data drawn from multiple county departments. The following categories of information are maintained across the county's official systems.
Ownership Information:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the current deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number or book and page reference
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title with previous owner names, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address (if different)
- Municipality and ZIP code
- Parcel ID and tax map number
- Legal description including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and metes and bounds description where applicable
- Condominium unit number if applicable
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
- Corner lot designation and land use classification
- Zoning classification
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories, building type, and construction type
- Exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Garage type and spaces, pool, porch or patio square footage, fireplace, central air conditioning, heating type, water source, and sewer system
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Assessment year and historical values for prior years
- Agricultural classification if applicable
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate and breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city or municipality, and special districts)
- Due dates, payment status, and discount information
- Tax payment history and delinquency history if applicable
- Exemptions applied: homestead, senior, disability, veteran, widow or widower, agricultural, conservation, and historic preservation
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and sale types (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, gift, inheritance, foreclosure, tax deed, divorce transfer, or trust transfer)
- Deed document numbers and grantor and grantee names
- Qualified or unqualified sale designation
- Documentary stamp or transfer tax amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with amounts, lender names, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens with amounts and lienholders
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, leases, life estates, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Land use code and future land use designation
- School district, fire district, water district, and other special taxing districts
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- HOA information and code violations if any
- FEMA flood zone designation and wetlands or conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph and GIS map with property boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch or floor plan
- Historical aerial photographs where available
Building Permit Information (if integrated):
- Building permits issued with dates, descriptions, contractor information, and permit values
- Certificate of occupancy and inspection records
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at time of recording)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Private agreements not recorded with the Clerk
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Confidential exemption application details
How Long Does Monroe County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Monroe County are maintained permanently. The recording system depends on an unbroken chain of title extending from the original land grant to the present owner, and no recorded instrument affecting title is subject to destruction. This permanent retention requirement reflects both legal necessity and the historical importance of land records as primary documents of property rights.
Legal Basis for Retention:
New York State records retention schedules, issued pursuant to New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25, govern the retention of local government records. Recorded instruments affecting real property title—including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements—are classified as permanent records and may never be destroyed. The Monroe County Clerk is required to maintain these records in perpetuity and to make them available for public inspection.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types) dating back to county formation
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments
- All recorded liens (judgment, tax, mechanic's, and other statutory liens) and releases
- All recorded plats, subdivision maps, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- All easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, and powers of attorney affecting property
- All court documents recorded with the Clerk affecting title
Format and Storage:
Historical records are maintained in handwritten ledgers (pre-1900s), typed or handwritten books (early to mid-1900s), microfilm (mid-1900s), and digital scans (recent decades). The Monroe County Clerk currently maintains an electronic document management system with scanned images of recorded instruments. Climate-controlled storage, off-site backup facilities, and digital backup systems are used to preserve records against loss or damage.
Online Access by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Fully online; immediate free access |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Partially online; microfilm available in person |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; original books or microfilm |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser Assessment Records:
Assessment rolls and property cards maintained by the Monroe County Real Property Tax Service are retained permanently. Recent years of assessment history are available online through the Monroe County Real Property Assessment Data portal. Historical assessments are available at the office upon request.
Tax Collector Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard state retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years. Recent tax history is available online through the Monroe County Treasury; historical records are available at the office.
Building Permit Records:
Building permit records are maintained by the relevant municipal building department rather than the County Clerk. Retention periods vary by jurisdiction and permit type, with major construction permits retained permanently and minor permits retained for several years.
Requesting Historical Records:
Monroe County Clerk – Land Records Division
39 W. Main Street, Room 101
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1600
County Clerk Land Records
When requesting historical records, requestors should specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the type of document sought. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to several business days for very old records. Standard copy fees apply.
Monroe County Real Property Tax Service
39 W. Main Street, Room 101
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1125
Real Property Tax Service
How To Find Liens on Property in Monroe County?
Liens on property in Monroe County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Monroe County Clerk's Land Records system. A lien search requires reviewing the grantor-grantee index for the property owner's name and the parcel's legal description to identify all recorded encumbrances.
Types of Liens Searchable:
- Federal tax liens (filed by the IRS with the County Clerk)
- New York State tax warrants (filed by the Department of Taxation and Finance)
- Judgment liens (docketed in the county where the debtor owns property)
- Mechanic's liens (filed by contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers)
- HOA liens (filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments)
- Code enforcement liens (filed by municipalities for unpaid violation penalties)
- Child support liens (filed pursuant to court order)
Step-by-Step Lien Search Process:
- Access the Monroe County Clerk Land Records portal
- Search the grantor index using the current property owner's full legal name
- Filter results by document type to identify liens, judgments, and tax warrants
- Review each result for the property address or legal description to confirm the lien attaches to the subject parcel
- Note the instrument number, recording date, amount, and lienholder for each lien identified
- Search the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance records for state tax warrants, which are filed separately from county records
- Search federal tax lien records through the IRS or the County Clerk's index, as federal tax liens are filed with the county clerk in New York
- Review the Monroe County Treasury records for delinquent property tax liens through the Treasury / Property Tax portal
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Monroe County Clerk's office. Staff can assist with grantor-grantee index searches and retrieval of recorded documents. Certified copies of lien instruments are available for the standard copy fee.
Monroe County Clerk – Land Records Division
39 W. Main Street, Room 101
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 753-1600
County Clerk Land Records
Professional Lien Searches:
Title companies and abstractors conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. These searches cover all recorded instruments in the chain of title and are standard practice in real estate transactions. Real estate attorneys may also conduct or commission lien searches for clients with specific legal needs.
Important Notes on Lien Searches:
- A lien search reflects only recorded instruments; unrecorded claims are not discoverable through the public index
- Judgment liens attach to all real property owned by the judgment debtor in the county where the judgment is docketed
- Mechanic's liens in New York are governed by the New York Lien Law and must be filed within specific statutory deadlines to be enforceable
- Federal tax liens are effective against third parties only upon filing with the county clerk under applicable federal law
- Releases and satisfactions of liens must also be recorded to clear the title record
What Is Property Owner Rule in Monroe County?
The property owner rule in Monroe County refers to the body of New York State law and local regulations governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership within the county.
Establishment of Ownership:
Property ownership in Monroe County is established by a recorded deed. Under New York Real Property Law § 291, a conveyance of real property is not effective against subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers in good faith unless the deed is recorded with the Monroe County Clerk. Recording provides constructive notice to all parties of the owner's interest in the property.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in New York:
- Individual ownership: A single natural person holds title in their own name
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more persons hold equal undivided interests; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) take the deceased's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each interest passes through the owner's estate upon death rather than to the co-owners
- Tenancy by the entirety: Available only to legally married spouses in New York; neither spouse may convey or encumber the property without the other's consent, and the survivor takes full title upon the other's death
- Trust ownership: A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries pursuant to a trust instrument
- Corporate or LLC ownership: A legal entity holds title; conveyances require authorized signatories acting on behalf of the entity
- Life estate: The life tenant holds the right to use and occupy the property during their lifetime; the remainder interest passes to named remaindermen upon the life tenant's death
Transfer of Ownership:
Property in Monroe County may be transferred by sale, gift, inheritance, court order, or operation of law. All voluntary transfers require a written deed executed by the grantor and delivered to the grantee. The deed must be acknowledged before a notary public and recorded with the Monroe County Clerk to be effective against third parties. New York imposes a real property transfer tax on conveyances of real property at the rate of $2.00 per $500 of consideration, administered pursuant to New York Tax Law § 1402.
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Monroe County hold the right to use, occupy, lease, encumber, and convey their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. Owners are obligated to pay annual property taxes assessed by the relevant town or city assessment office and collected by the Monroe County Treasury. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the filing of a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax foreclosure proceeding.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
The Monroe County Planning and Development Department administers county-level planning and resource conservation policies, integrating planning services with economic and community development. Individual municipalities within Monroe County maintain their own zoning ordinances governing permitted uses, setbacks, building heights, and density. Property owners must comply with the zoning regulations of the municipality in which the property is located.
Adverse Possession:
New York law recognizes adverse possession as a means of acquiring title to property through open, notorious, continuous, exclusive, and hostile possession for a statutory period of ten years. Adverse possession claims must be established through a court proceeding and are not reflected in the county's recorded title index until a judgment is recorded with the Monroe County Clerk.
Eminent Domain:
Monroe County and its constituent municipalities retain the power of eminent domain to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation, pursuant to the New York Eminent Domain Procedure Law. Property owners subject to condemnation proceedings have the right to contest the taking and the amount of compensation offered.