What are Utah Property Records?
Utah state administrators generate and maintain records pertaining to real estate in the state.
These records typically originate when various agencies file them during a real estate transaction. They contain information about the property, such as property deeds, mortgage reports, and index maps. Per the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act, these records are public information and can be made available to interested and eligible members of the public.
In Utah, persons who wish to obtain property records may visit and query the office of the Recorder of Deeds office in the county where the property is located. The state government also maintains an Archive of Utah property information under the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service. Most record custodians also allow mail-in requests and offer online databases that inquirers can use to obtain the information or record of interest. Whatever the case, the requestor will be required to provide information to facilitate the search and pay any applicable copy fees.
Are Utah Property Records Public?
Yes. The County Recorders of Deeds in Utah maintain and provide access to Utah property records according to Utah's FOIA laws. Hence, interested Utah residents can obtain property records by visiting their local custodian offices.
Property records are available for public viewing through government agencies or third-party aggregate websites. Accessing property records through third-party sites is typically straightforward, and the records are not geographically limited. However, because the sites are not government-affiliated and run independently, the information contained in the records may vary. Searching parties should include the following information to obtain complete property records:
- The property’s exact location.
- The property owner’s details.
What Information is Included in Utah Property Records?
Property records typically contain various information to provide historical context and real estate ownership details. The types and categories of information referenced in property records can vary depending on the jurisdiction but generally include:
- Tax Records – This category includes any applicable taxes or fees due for the property, such as annual assessments, special use fees, transfer taxes, etc. It also often provides payment history and any tax liens associated with the property.
- Title Deeds – These are legal documents that outline ownership rights to the land or building from one person to another through sale, inheritance or other means of transfer. Title deeds include essential information about any easements or encumbrances on the property, such as zoning or building codes.
- Surveys – Surveys are conducted to accurately determine the size and boundaries of a piece of land or property for legal purposes. They may also include diagrams, topography maps, and other relevant information about the land or structure that has been surveyed.
- Building Plans – This can include any architectural plans, blueprints, specifications, etc., that provide details about the construction and materials used in a building's creation. These documents must be kept up-to-date with any renovations or changes to the building over time to maintain accuracy in records.
- Transfer Records – These documents contain details regarding when a property was sold, as well as the date of transfer and any associated fees or taxes. Transfer records may also include information about whether a lien was placed on the property at any time.
- Permits – Any permits required to build upon, alter, or repair the property will be included in records that can provide important details about changes made to a structure over time.
- Rights and Restrictions – This category includes any legal rights and restrictions associated with owning or using the property, such as zoning laws or easement agreements. Rights and restrictions are often detailed in title deeds but may also be located separately within records if they have been modified at any time.
In addition to these types of information, property records may also include contact information for the current owner or legal representatives associated with the property.
Where to Search Utah Public Property Records
Utah public property records, including deeds, mortgages, and other documents related to real estate, are available through the state's respective Utah County Recorder Offices. These offices maintain digital versions of these records that can be searched by address or document number. Additionally, physical copies of many of the public records are available for viewing and purchase from their custodian.
For example, individuals interested in getting Salt Lake property records may query the Salt Lake County Recorder of Deeds office or the Salt Lake County Assessor's Office for property tax record information.
How to Do a Utah Property Records Search
Individuals who wish to conduct a Utah property records search may visit the custodian's office in the county where the property is located with the following information:
- The property's full address
- The full name of the property owner
However, mail-in requesters may be required to provide the following:
- Owner's Name
- Property address
- County Parcel Identification Number
- Book and Page number of the document
- The name and phone number of the requester
For instance, requests made to the Utah County Recorder must contain the information above along with any applicable fees and addressed to:
51 South University Avenue,
Suite 211
Provo, UT 84601
Phone: (801) 851-8179
However, the Utah county recorder's office allows inquirers to search online for Land Records and Maps, Parcel Maps, and Recorder's Document Images.
How to Find the Owner of a Utah Property Using Public Records?
Inquirers interested in finding the owner of a Utah property may visit the office of the Recorder of Deeds or Tax Assessor and submit a request using the address of the property in question. Typically, these offices allow requestors to conduct public record searches on a property using the estate's parcel ID number and/or its tax bill number and full address.
What are Utah Property Records Used For?
Utah property records have many uses and can provide valuable information to landowners, buyers, or other interested parties.
- Easements: Property owners can use their property records to determine the existence of easements on their land. An easement is a legal right to access or use another person's land for a specific purpose. Knowing about any existing easements helps the property owner and potential buyers understand how the land might be used in the future.
- Property boundaries: People can also consult their property records for more detailed information about the limits of their land, such as what exact line separates two properties. This information is essential if there's a dispute over property boundaries.
- Zoning regulations: Property records also often include information about local zoning regulations, which can be helpful for people looking to buy land and build on it. Knowing what structures are allowed in a specific area helps avoid run-ins with the law.
- Building Permits: People interested in making changes or additions to their property might need to consult their records for building permits issued for their land in the past. Again, this helps ensure that future projects are done legally and appropriately according to local laws and regulations.
- Title Records: Title records found in property records are essential for determining the rightful owner of a particular piece of land. This can be incredibly important in situations that involve a dispute over who owns what or when someone is buying or selling property. They prove that an individual has the legal right to sell or purchase land.
How to Find Utah Property Tax Records?
Property tax records in Utah are generally kept at the county level and can be accessed by contacting the appropriate Tax assessor's office. These records provide details about past payments made on specific properties and any liens or other fees that may be due.
Are Utah Property Records Available Online?
Yes, some Utah property records are available online through the website of the County Recorder or Assessor. However, not all counties in the state offer this service, and the information provided may be limited.
