Los Angeles County Property Records
What Is Los Angeles County Property Records
Los Angeles County property records are official documents that contain detailed information about real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the legal foundation for establishing ownership rights, tracking property transfers, and documenting the assessed value of land and improvements for taxation purposes. Property records in Los Angeles County are maintained by several government agencies, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
The primary custodians of property records include:
Los Angeles County Assessor's Office
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street, Room 225
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-3211
Los Angeles County Assessor
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
(800) 201-8999
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
900 South Fremont Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 458-5100
LA County Public Works Land Records
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6250-6270, these records document the history of ownership, physical characteristics, improvements, and financial obligations associated with real property throughout Los Angeles County's 88 incorporated cities and unincorporated areas.
Are Property Records Public Information In Los Angeles County?
Property records in Los Angeles County are considered public information and are accessible to all members of the public under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to real property ownership and transactions.
The following property records are available for public inspection:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Property tax assessment information
- Maps and surveys
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Property liens and encumbrances
- Mortgage and trust deed information
While these records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with California Civil Code § 1798.59 to protect individual privacy. Additionally, some specialized records may require specific authorization or have restricted access due to security concerns or other statutory exemptions.
The Los Angeles County Property Tax Portal provides a collaborative resource where members of the public can access property tax information without revealing sensitive personal data of property owners. This portal is jointly maintained by the Assessor, Auditor-Controller, and Treasurer and Tax Collector offices.
Individuals seeking access to property records may submit requests in person, by mail, or through online portals maintained by the respective county departments, in accordance with established procedures under Government Code § 6253.
How To Search Property Records in Los Angeles County in 2025
Los Angeles County has implemented enhanced systems for property record searches in 2025, offering multiple methods for accessing this information. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to search property records:
Online Portal Searches:
- The Los Angeles County Assessor's Property Assessment Information System (PAIS) allows searches by Assessor's Identification Number (AIN), property address, or owner name
- The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's real estate records portal provides access to recorded documents dating back to 1850
In-Person Research:
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Individuals may visit the Assessor's Office public counter at:
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street, Room 225
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk maintains public terminals at:
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Search Parameters Available:
- Assessor's Identification Number (AIN)
- Property address
- Legal description
- Tract or parcel map information
- Owner name (with certain privacy restrictions)
- Document recording date ranges
Pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code § 408.3, the Assessor's Office provides property characteristics and assessment information to the public. Searches requiring extensive research or document reproduction may incur fees as established by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Fee Ordinance.
How To Find Property Records in Los Angeles County Online?
Los Angeles County offers comprehensive online resources for accessing property records through several official government websites. Members of the public may utilize these digital platforms to obtain property information without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources include:
-
Property Assessment Information System (PAIS)
Available through the Los Angeles County Assessor's website, this system provides:- Current and historical assessed values
- Property characteristics and improvements
- Tax rate area information
- Ownership information (limited to protect privacy)
-
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Document Search
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder maintains an online index of recorded documents including:- Deeds and property transfers
- Liens and judgments
- Maps and surveys
- Mortgage and trust deed information
-
Los Angeles County GIS Portal
The LA County Public Works Land Records system provides:- Interactive property maps
- Parcel boundaries
- Zoning information
- Flood zone designations
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Property Tax Portal
The Los Angeles County Property Tax Portal offers:- Current tax bills and payment status
- Tax rate information
- Payment history
- Direct payment options
Users should note that pursuant to California Government Code § 6253.9, some online services may require registration or payment of nominal fees for document retrieval or certified copies. The county maintains these systems in accordance with California Government Code § 27361, which authorizes reasonable fees for document reproduction and certification.
Can You Look Up Los Angeles County Property Records for Free?
Los Angeles County provides several options for members of the public to access basic property records at no cost, while more comprehensive or specialized searches may incur fees. The availability of free property record access is governed by California Government Code § 6253, which permits agencies to charge only the direct cost of duplication for public records.
Free property record resources include:
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Basic Property Information
The Los Angeles County Assessor's website offers free access to:- Property ownership information
- Assessed values
- Property characteristics
- Tax rate area information
-
Property Tax Information
The Los Angeles County Property Tax Portal provides free access to:- Current tax amounts
- Payment status
- Tax rate information
-
Public Terminals
Free on-site access to property records is available at:-
Los Angeles County Assessor's Office
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street, Room 225
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
-
Services that may incur fees include:
- Certified copies of recorded documents
- Bulk data requests
- Research assistance beyond standard lookups
- Document reproduction exceeding standard limits
The California State Board of Equalization also provides free statewide property tax information and resources that may supplement county-specific data.
What's Included in a Los Angeles County Property Record?
Los Angeles County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with California Revenue and Taxation Code § 408 and include multiple categories of information relevant to property ownership, valuation, and characteristics.
Standard property records typically include:
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s)
- Vesting (how title is held)
- Date of acquisition
- Transfer document references
Property Identification:
- Assessor's Identification Number (AIN)
- Legal description
- Property address
- Tract or parcel map references
- Tax rate area code
Physical Characteristics:
- Land area (square footage or acreage)
- Building size and dimensions
- Year built
- Construction type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Improvement details
Valuation Information:
- Assessed land value
- Assessed improvement value
- Total assessed value
- Base year value (Proposition 13)
- Exemptions applied
Tax Information:
- Annual tax amount
- Tax rate
- Special assessments
- Direct charges
Additional Documents:
- Recorded deeds
- Trust deeds and mortgages
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and restrictions
- Maps and surveys
The Los Angeles County Department of Tax and Fee Administration provides additional resources regarding property tax assessment and collection procedures that complement these property records.
How Long Does Los Angeles County Keep Property Records?
Los Angeles County maintains property records in perpetuity, with some records dating back to the county's formation in 1850. The retention of these records is governed by California Government Code § 26205.1 and § 27203, which establish requirements for the preservation of public records, particularly those pertaining to real property.
The retention schedule for various property records includes:
Permanent Records (Never Destroyed):
- Deeds and property transfers
- Maps and surveys
- Tract maps and parcel maps
- Assessment rolls
- Tax sale records
- Property ownership history
Long-Term Records (75+ Years):
- Building permits
- Certificates of occupancy
- Zoning changes
- Property tax payment records
Medium-Term Records (10-25 Years):
- Temporary easements
- Certain tax correspondence
- Assessment appeals
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk maintains historical property records in various formats, including:
- Original paper documents (for older records)
- Microfilm archives
- Digital records (for more recent filings)
Members of the public seeking historical property records may access these archives through:
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
(800) 201-8999
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The county has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to preserve historical records and improve accessibility, though some very old records may require specialized assistance to locate and interpret.
How To Find Liens on Property In Los Angeles County?
Liens on property in Los Angeles County are recorded public documents that can be accessed through several official channels. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property and are recorded pursuant to California Civil Code § 2897-2898, which establishes the priority and effect of liens on real property.
Members of the public may locate property liens through the following methods:
Online Search:
- The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder maintains an online index of recorded documents, including various types of liens
- Users can search by property address, owner name, or Assessor's Identification Number (AIN)
- The system provides document type, recording date, and document number
In-Person Research:
- Individuals may conduct lien searches at:
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Types of Liens Searchable:
- Tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
- Mechanic's liens (for unpaid construction work)
- Judgment liens (from court cases)
- Child support liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Homeowners Association (HOA) liens
- Special assessment liens
For tax-specific liens, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector provides information regarding:
- Current tax delinquencies
- Tax defaulted properties
- Redemption amounts
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
225 North Hill Street, Room 130
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-2111
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Professional title companies also offer comprehensive lien search services for a fee, which may be more thorough than self-conducted searches.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Los Angeles County?
The Property Owner Rule in Los Angeles County refers to specific regulations governing property ownership disclosure and privacy protections established under California law. This rule balances the public's right to access property records with individual privacy concerns, as codified in California Government Code § 6254.21 and Revenue and Taxation Code § 408.1.
Key provisions of the Property Owner Rule include:
Privacy Protections:
- Certain personal information of property owners is exempt from public disclosure
- Home addresses of specified public officials, law enforcement personnel, and victims of domestic violence may be redacted from publicly accessible records
- Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifiers are removed from public documents
Ownership Disclosure Requirements:
- Property ownership must be recorded with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk within a reasonable time after transfer
- True beneficial ownership must be disclosed, even when properties are held by legal entities
- Pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code § 480, new owners must file a Change in Ownership Statement with the Assessor's Office
Access Restrictions:
- Bulk requests for property owner information are subject to enhanced scrutiny
- Commercial use of ownership information may be restricted
- Requestors may be required to identify themselves and state the purpose of their request
The Los Angeles County Assessor implements these rules through established procedures at:
Los Angeles County Assessor's Office
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street, Room 225
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-3211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Property owners concerned about privacy may file a Confidential Information Request form with the Assessor's Office to request additional protection of their information under applicable laws.
Lookup Property Records in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County Assessor property information
Land records and mapping resources
Property document recording services
Property tax payment information
Comprehensive property tax portal