Washtenaw County Property Records
What Is Washtenaw County Property Records
Washtenaw County property records constitute the official documentation that records ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the jurisdictional boundaries of Washtenaw County, Michigan. These records serve as the authoritative source for establishing legal ownership of land and buildings throughout the county. Property records maintained by Washtenaw County provide a comprehensive history of real estate transactions and interests affecting parcels within the county's jurisdiction.
The primary purposes of maintaining property records include:
- Establishing legal chain of title and ownership rights
- Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions and property transfers
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and development
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201, all deeds, mortgages, and instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public.
Washtenaw County Register of Deeds
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 222-6710
Washtenaw County Register of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Washtenaw County?
Property records in Washtenaw County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Michigan law. The public nature of these records is established by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and specific statutes governing property recording. According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.551, all recorded instruments pertaining to real property must be maintained as public records.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public records promote informed real estate transactions
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy supports transparency in government operations and facilitates informed decision-making in real estate matters.
The Michigan FOIA establishes that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding governmental affairs and official acts of public officials and employees. Property records, as official government documents, fall squarely within this mandate for transparency and public accessibility.
How To Search Property Records in Washtenaw County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Washtenaw County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for property record searches to accommodate various research needs.
To conduct a property records search:
- Identify the specific property of interest using an address, owner name, or parcel identification number
- Select the appropriate search method based on the type of information needed
- Access the relevant county database or visit the appropriate county office
- Follow the specific search protocols for the selected system
- Request copies of relevant documents if needed
The Washtenaw County Register of Deeds offers both in-person and online search options. For online searches, users can access the county's Land Records Search Portal, which provides access to recorded documents dating back to 1824.
For in-person searches, visitors may use public terminals at:
Washtenaw County Register of Deeds
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 222-6710
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Property tax information can be accessed through the Washtenaw County Treasurer's Office, which maintains records of property tax payments, delinquencies, and foreclosures.
How To Find Property Records in Washtenaw County Online?
Washtenaw County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources allow users to search and retrieve property information remotely at any time.
To find property records online:
- Visit the Washtenaw County official website
- Navigate to the "Property & Land Records" section
- Select the appropriate database based on the type of information needed:
- Land Records Search Portal for deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents
- BS&A Online for property tax and assessment information
- Washtenaw County GIS Mapping for property boundaries and spatial data
- Enter search criteria such as property address, owner name, or parcel ID
- Review search results and select specific records for detailed viewing
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)
The Land Records Search Portal provides access to recorded documents including:
- Deeds and land contracts
- Mortgages and mortgage discharges
- Liens and lien releases
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and surveys
For property tax information, users can access the BS&A Online system, which provides current and historical tax data, including:
- Current property tax status
- Tax payment history
- Assessment information
- Property descriptions
How To Look Up Washtenaw County Property Records for Free?
Washtenaw County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost to the public. These free resources allow citizens to conduct basic property research without incurring fees.
Free property record access options include:
- Public access terminals at the Register of Deeds office provide free on-site searching of recorded documents
- The Washtenaw County Equalization Department offers free access to property assessment data
- Basic property information is available through the county's GIS mapping portal at no charge
- The Washtenaw County Treasurer's website provides free access to basic tax information
- Public libraries throughout the county offer free internet access to county online resources
For in-person assistance with free property record searches:
Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 222-6710
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Extensive research assistance
- Bulk data downloads
- Document printing from public terminals (per-page fee)
According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2567, county clerks and registers of deeds are authorized to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records, but must provide free access to view records.
What's Included in a Washtenaw County Property Record?
Washtenaw County property records encompass a diverse range of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices and collectively provide a comprehensive profile of each property.
Property records in Washtenaw County typically include:
Ownership Information:
- Current and previous property owners
- Chain of title history
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase prices and consideration amounts
- Deed types (warranty, quitclaim, etc.)
Property Characteristics:
- Legal description of the property
- Parcel identification number
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Zoning classification
- Land use designation
Financial Information:
- Property tax assessments
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
- Tax delinquencies or foreclosures
- Property tax records transferred to the county treasurer
Encumbrances and Restrictions:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium or homeowner association documents
Planning and Development:
- Building permits
- Certificates of occupancy
- Subdivision plats
- Land divisions
- Planning and zoning approvals
It is important to note that Michigan law distinguishes between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). Washtenaw County primarily maintains records related to real property, while personal property records may be filed with other agencies depending on the type of asset.
How Long Does Washtenaw County Keep Property Records?
Washtenaw County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan Records Management Services and the State Archives of Michigan. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important property information while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.
Property record retention periods in Washtenaw County include:
- Deed records: Permanent retention
- Mortgage records: Permanent retention
- Tax assessment rolls: Permanent retention
- Property tax payment records: 7 years after payment
- Building permits: Life of the structure plus 10 years
- Zoning variance records: Permanent retention
- Property surveys and plats: Permanent retention
- Property foreclosure records: 10 years after final disposition
The permanent retention of core property records is mandated by Michigan Compiled Laws § 399.811, which establishes requirements for the preservation of vital government records. The Michigan Records Management Services provides detailed retention schedules that county offices must follow.
Historical property records in Washtenaw County date back to the county's formation in 1826. These records are preserved through various means, including:
- Microfilming of older documents
- Digital scanning and conversion
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Backup systems for electronic records
Researchers seeking historical property information can access records dating back to the county's earliest days, providing a continuous chain of property ownership throughout the county's history.
How To Find Liens on Property In Washtenaw County?
Liens on property in Washtenaw County are recorded as public documents and can be searched through several county offices. A lien search is an essential component of due diligence in real estate transactions to identify potential encumbrances on property.
To find liens on property in Washtenaw County:
-
Search the Register of Deeds records for:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Mortgage liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax liens
-
Check with the Washtenaw County Treasurer for:
- Property tax delinquencies
- Special assessment liens
- Tax foreclosure proceedings
-
Contact the Washtenaw County Circuit Court for:
- Judgment liens
- Pending litigation affecting the property
- Lis pendens notices
-
Verify with local municipalities for:
- Municipal utility liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Special assessment liens
For comprehensive lien searches:
Washtenaw County Register of Deeds
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 222-6710
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Washtenaw County Treasurer
200 N. Main Street, Suite 200
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 222-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Professional title companies operating in Washtenaw County also offer lien search services for a fee. These companies have expertise in identifying all potential encumbrances on property and can provide comprehensive lien reports.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Washtenaw County?
The Property Owner Rule in Washtenaw County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the county. These rules are derived from Michigan state law, county ordinances, and local municipal regulations.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Registration Requirements:
- All property transfers must be recorded with the Register of Deeds within 15 days of execution, pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201
- Property owners must ensure accurate information is on file with the county for tax assessment purposes
- Changes in ownership must be reported to the appropriate township or city assessor
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for timely payment of property taxes
- Tax bills are issued twice annually (summer and winter)
- Property tax delinquencies may result in forfeiture and foreclosure after three years
- Property owners may contest assessments through the Board of Review and Michigan Tax Tribunal
Land Use Regulations:
- Property owners must comply with zoning ordinances governing permitted uses
- Building permits are required for new construction and significant renovations
- Property owners must adhere to local ordinances regarding property maintenance
- Special regulations apply to properties in historic districts or environmentally sensitive areas
Riparian Rights:
- Owners of waterfront property have specific rights and responsibilities under Michigan's riparian doctrine
- These rights include access to water, reasonable use of water, and ownership to the middle of the watercourse
- Riparian owners must comply with environmental regulations protecting water quality
Property owners in Washtenaw County should be aware that property rights are subject to various limitations imposed by law, including eminent domain, police power regulations, taxation, and escheat (reversion to the state when property is abandoned or an owner dies without heirs).
Lookup Property Records in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County Official Website
Washtenaw County GIS Mapping Services
Property Tax Information Portal