Property records are official documents that detail information about land and buildings in Los Angeles County, California. These records include:
- Ownership: Names and contact details of current property owners.
- Assessed Value: The value used for tax purposes, with a median of $430,050 in Los Angeles County.
- Property Taxes: Annual taxes, averaging $5,700, along with payment history and rates.
- Legal Documents: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded instruments.
- Property History: Past owners, sales data, and assessment changes.
These records are public and maintained by county offices to ensure transparency. They help homeowners, buyers, and researchers make informed decisions.
How to Access Property Records in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County offers multiple ways to access property records. Below are the primary methods:
1. Online Search Tools
Several online platforms provide free or paid access to property records:
- Los Angeles County Assessor Portal (assessor.lacounty.gov): Search by address or AIN to find ownership, assessed value, and tax details.
- NETR Online (datastore.netronline.com/losangeles): Search real estate records by name, AIN, or document number for deeds and mortgages from 1977 onward.
- ParcelQuest (parcelquest.com): Offers daily-updated data for all California counties, searchable by address, Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), or map location.
- PropertyShark (propertyshark.com): Provides detailed reports on ownership history, sales, and liens.
For additional resources, check blifego.com.
2. Official County Offices
You can visit county offices for in-person access:
- Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor: Located at 500 West Temple Street, Room 320, Los Angeles, CA. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact: helpdesk@assessor.lacounty.gov or 213-974-3211.
- Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: Located at 12400 Imperial Highway, Room 2207, Norwalk, CA. Handles real estate records like deeds and mortgages. Records date back to 1850 and can be viewed in person or requested online/by mail.
3. Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Public Library (lapl.org): Offers guidance on tracing property ownership history, including microform copies of Real Estate Data Inc. (REDI) from 1982–1991.
- City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (ladbs.org): Provides online building records and permit information.
- ZIMAS (zimas.lacity.org): A zoning information tool for properties in Los Angeles.
For more tools and tips, visit property ownership in los angles
Key Information in Property Records
Property records in Los Angeles County contain valuable details, including:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner Information | Name and contact details of the current owner. |
| Assessed Value | Median assessed value is $430,050; used for tax calculations. |
| Property Taxes | Average annual tax is $5,700, with a tax rate of about 0.67% of assessed value. |
| Legal Documents | Includes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and judgments. |
| Property History | Previous owners, sales history (average sale price: $850,000), and assessments. |
Property Taxes in Los Angeles County
Property taxes are based on the assessed value, determined annually by the Los Angeles County Assessor. Key facts:
- Average Tax: $5,700 per year, 18% higher than the California average.
- Median Home Value: $755,100, with a median rent of $1,843.
- Tax Payment: Pay online via the Los Angeles County Property Tax Portal (propertytax.lacounty.gov).
- Reassessment: Triggered by ownership changes or property improvements, often increasing taxes for new owners.
For tax-related resources, visit blifego.com.
How to Find Property Ownership
To find out who owns a property in Los Angeles County:
- Use the Assessor Portal: Search by address or AIN at assessor.lacounty.gov.
- Email the Assessor’s Office: Send the property’s AIN and address to helpdesk@assessor.lacounty.gov.
- Visit the Registrar-Recorder: Search historical records in person at the Norwalk office. Note: Searches require a grantor or grantee name, not just an address.
Understanding Fees for Property Records
Fees vary depending on the request:
- Online Copies: $1.75 handling fee for credit card orders; plain copies start at $5 for the first page.
- Certified Copies: Higher fees apply; contact the Registrar-Recorder for details.
- In-Person Viewing: Free at county offices, but copies cost extra.
Zoning and Building Records
- Zoning Information: Use ZIMAS (zimas.lacity.org) for properties in Los Angeles or contact the Department of Regional Planning for unincorporated areas.
- Building Permits: Access through the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (ladbs.org).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I access Los Angeles County property records for free?
Yes, tools like the Assessor Portal and NETR Online allow free searches. Certified copies may have fees.
2. What is the difference between the Assessor and Registrar-Recorder offices?
- Assessor: Manages property assessments and tax information.
- Registrar-Recorder: Handles real estate records like deeds and mortgages.
3. How often are property assessments updated?
Assessments are updated yearly or when a property changes ownership or is improved.
4. Are there restrictions on who can view property records?
Property records are public, but some sensitive details may be redacted.
5. How can I find out if there are any liens on a property?
Search through the Registrar-Recorder’s office or use tools like PropertyShark.
6. What information is included in a property tax bill?
It includes the assessed value, tax rate, total amount due, and payment deadlines.
7. How do I pay my property taxes online?
Use the Los Angeles County Property Tax Portal (propertytax.lacounty.gov).
8. Is there a way to get notified of property sales in my area?
Some third-party services offer sale alerts, but county websites typically do not.
For more FAQs and resources, visit blifego.com.
Conclusion
Accessing property records in Los Angeles County is easy with online tools and county offices. These records provide critical information for homeowners, real estate professionals, and researchers. Use official resources like the Assessor Portal or trusted platforms like urbantaken.com to explore property details, taxes, and history.