Erie County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Erie County in 2026
ErieCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Erie County. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax data, mortgage filings, and lien information through official county resources. The following record categories are available through government portals:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Mortgage and lien filings
- Parcel maps and GIS data
- Building permits and zoning records
Records may be searched through official Erie County government resources using multiple access methods. The Erie County Clerk's Online Public Record Search provides browser-based access to recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens. Members of the public may also search for a property through Erie County Real Property Tax Services, which maintains a subset of the New York State Real Property System containing the most commonly referenced property data. The Erie County Tax Payment Site allows taxpayers to view current tax obligations and payment history. For visual and spatial property data, the Erie County Interactive Mapping Viewer supports searches by tax parcel, aerial photography, and Pictometry layers.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — The most convenient method; available at no cost through county portals
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
- By mail — Written requests submitted to the Erie County Clerk or Real Property Tax Services
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches as part of transactions
1. Property Appraiser / Real Property Tax Services Website
Erie County Real Property Tax Services maintains the primary online database for property assessment information. Members of the public may access this resource at no cost without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID or SBL (Section-Block-Lot) number
- By municipality
- By map/GIS location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Lot size, building square footage, year built
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Search for a Property portal
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
- Review ownership, assessment, sales history, and tax data
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk Official Records Search
The Erie County Clerk maintains the official index of recorded instruments affecting real property. The Erie County Clerk's Online Public Record Search provides free basic access; document image retrieval may be subject to per-page fees.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number or instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Lis pendens filings
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Subdivision plats and surveys
How to Search:
- Access the Erie County Clerk's Online Public Record Search
- Select the applicable search type (grantor, grantee, or document type)
- Enter the name, date range, or document reference
- Review the indexed results
- Select a document to view the image (fees may apply per page)
- Note the book and page or instrument number for future reference
3. Tax Collector / Tax Payment Website
The Erie County Tax Payment Site provides current tax bill information, payment history, and outstanding balance data for properties located within Erie County, New York.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel/SBL number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill amount
- Payment history and dates
- Outstanding balances and penalties
- Exemptions applied
- Installment plan status
- Payment options (online, by mail, in person)
4. GIS / Mapping System
The Erie County Interactive Mapping Viewer supports visual property searches using aerial photography, parcel boundaries, zoning layers, flood zones, and Pictometry imagery.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the subject property location
- Click on a parcel to retrieve linked property information
- View multiple map layers including zoning, environmental features, and tax parcel data
- Measure distances and view property boundaries
- Access linked records from the parcel viewer
In-Person Searches:
Erie County Clerk's Office 92 Franklin Street, 1st Floor Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 858-8785 Erie County Clerk
Erie County Real Property Tax Services 95 Franklin Street, Room 100 Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 858-8333 Real Property Tax Services
By Mail Requests:
Requests for copies of recorded instruments may be submitted in writing to the Erie County Clerk at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. Requestors should specify the document 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 written request with the appropriate fee.
Requests for property assessment information may be directed in writing to Erie County Real Property Tax Services at 95 Franklin Street, Room 100, Buffalo, NY 14202. Requestors should include the property address or SBL number.
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Licensed appraisers and real estate agents may access MLS data and comparable sales information as part of their professional services.
What Is Erie County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by Erie County government agencies as permanent public records. These instruments establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support the assessment and taxation of real property. Under New York Real Property Law § 291, every conveyance of real property must be recorded with the county clerk to be effective against subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers in good faith.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and executor's deeds
- Life estate deeds and trust instruments affecting title
- Transfer records and chain of title documentation
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:
- Annual property tax assessments
- Tax bills and payment history
- Exemption records (homestead, senior, veteran, agricultural)
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation records
- Zoning and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
Erie County Clerk's Office — Records, indexes, and maintains all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats.
Erie County Real Property Tax Services — Maintains property valuation records, assessment rolls, ownership information, and exemption applications as a subset of the New York State Real Property System.
Erie County Department of Environment and Planning — Maintains zoning records, land use designations, and subdivision approvals.
Legal Framework:
New York's recording system operates under New York Real Property Law § 290 et seq., which establishes the requirements for recording instruments affecting real property and the constructive notice provided by recorded documents. The New York Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law § 84 et seq.) further guarantees public access to government records, including property records maintained by county agencies.
Are Property Records Public Information in Erie County?
Property records in Erie County are public information. Under the New York Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law § 84), members of the public have the right to inspect and obtain copies of government records, including all instruments recorded with the Erie County Clerk and assessment data maintained by Real Property Tax Services. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The public nature of property records derives from multiple legal sources:
- New York Real Property Law § 291, which requires recording to provide constructive notice to the public
- The New York Freedom of Information Law, which mandates public access to government-held records
- Centuries of common law tradition establishing land records as open public documents
- The practical necessity of a transparent recording system to support real estate transactions and title insurance
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency — Public access to ownership information prevents fraudulent transfers and ensures accountability in property taxation
- Commercial necessity — Title searches, mortgage lending, and real estate transactions depend on open access to recorded instruments
- Legal protection — Recording provides constructive notice, establishing priority of interests and protecting against competing claims
- Public interest — Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Under current New York law, Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from recorded documents before public release. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is subject to separate access policies administered by Real Property Tax Services.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access Erie County property records, including prospective buyers, real estate professionals, title companies, lenders, attorneys, investors, researchers, journalists, and out-of-state or foreign inquirers. No ownership interest in the subject property is required.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Erie County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The Erie County Clerk's current fee schedule, established pursuant to New York County Law § 909, governs charges for recorded document copies.
Standard Copy Fees — Erie County Clerk:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy of recorded document (per page) | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document (per page) | $1.25 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Search fee (per name, per two-year period) | $5.00 |
| Electronic document retrieval (online) | Varies; some documents free to view |
Real Property Tax Services — Assessment Records:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Online property search | Free |
| Printed property record card | Nominal copying fee |
| Certified assessment data | Contact office for current schedule |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to the Erie County Clerk
- Credit or debit card (in-person; availability subject to change)
- Online payment for electronic document access where applicable
Fee Waivers:
Certain government agencies and nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees under applicable New York law. Members of the public inspecting records in person at the Erie County Clerk's office are not charged an inspection fee; fees apply only when copies are requested.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of property assessment data through Real Property Tax Services
- Online parcel searches through the Erie County Interactive Mapping Viewer
- Basic online record searches through the Erie County Clerk's portal
- In-person inspection of records at the Clerk's office
What's Included in a Erie County Property Record
A complete Erie County property record encompasses information drawn from multiple county agencies, including the Clerk's recorded instruments, Real Property Tax Services assessment data, and GIS mapping records.
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title with previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Section-Block-Lot (SBL) parcel number
- Tax account number
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book reference, or metes-and-bounds description)
- Municipality and school district
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, frontage, and depth
- Zoning classification and land use designation
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories, building type, and construction type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage, pool, porch, and other additional features
- Heating type, water source, and sewer system
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and full market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information:
- Total current tax amount and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural)
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers
- Grantor and grantee names for each transfer
- Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)
- Documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, recording dates, and original amounts
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens with amounts and recording dates
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special district memberships (fire, water, CDD)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph and historical aerials
- GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is Not Typically Included:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Confidential exemption application details
How Long Does Erie County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Erie County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and all related documents — are never destroyed. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of an unbroken chain of title and the historical importance of land records to the public.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
New York's Arts and Cultural Affairs Law and the New York State Archives records retention schedules require county clerks to retain all recorded instruments permanently. The recording system established under New York Real Property Law § 291 depends on the perpetual availability of these records to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, executor's, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All plats, subdivision maps, and surveys
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Lis pendens filings and court documents affecting title
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Erie County exist in multiple formats depending on the period of recording:
- Pre-20th century: Handwritten ledger books maintained in the Clerk's vault
- Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in bound record books and microfilm
- Recent decades: Scanned digital images maintained in electronic document management systems with off-site backup
Access to Historical Records:
Records from approximately the past 20–40 years are available online through the Erie County Clerk's Online Public Record Search. Older records are accessible in person at the Erie County Clerk's office, where staff can retrieve documents from microfilm archives or bound record books. Members of the public seeking very old records are encouraged to contact the Clerk's office in advance to allow for retrieval from storage.
Property Appraiser / Assessment Records:
Erie County Real Property Tax Services maintains current and historical assessment rolls permanently. Recent years of assessment history are available online through the Search for a Property portal. Historical assessment records predating online availability may be accessed in person at the Real Property Tax Services office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard government retention schedules. Tax deed records resulting from delinquent tax sales are maintained permanently. Delinquency records are accessible through the Erie County Tax Payment Site for recent years; older records are available at the Tax Collector's office.
Chain of Title:
Every transfer of real property in Erie County from the original land grant to the present is preserved in the permanent record. Title searches conducted in connection with real estate transactions review the chain of title — the unbroken sequence of ownership — to identify any defects, gaps, or competing claims. Under New York's Marketable Title principles, title searches review a minimum of 40 years, though a full abstract may extend to the original patent or grant.
Contact for Historical Records:
Erie County Clerk's Office 92 Franklin Street, 1st Floor Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 858-8785 Erie County Clerk
Erie County Real Property Tax Services 95 Franklin Street, Room 100 Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 858-8333 Real Property Tax Services
How To Find Liens on Property in Erie County?
Liens on property in Erie County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Erie County Clerk's official records system. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be satisfied before clear title can be conveyed. Members of the public, prospective buyers, and real estate professionals may identify all recorded liens affecting a specific parcel by conducting a name-based or property-based search of the Clerk's index.
Types of Liens Recorded with the Erie County Clerk:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance)
- Judgment liens arising from court judgments
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers
- HOA and condominium association liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
- Lis pendens filings (notice of pending litigation affecting title)
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Access the Erie County Clerk's Online Public Record Search
- Select the grantor/grantee index search option
- Enter the property owner's name as the grantor or grantee
- Filter results by document type (lien, judgment, lis pendens, etc.)
- Review all indexed results for the subject owner
- Note the book and page or instrument number for each lien identified
- View document images to confirm lien details, amounts, and recording dates
- Check for corresponding releases or satisfactions of each lien identified
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Erie County Clerk pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 6323, which requires filing in the county where the taxpayer's property is located to establish priority against third parties. Federal tax lien searches may also be conducted through the IRS's online lien search tools.
New York State Tax Warrants:
New York State tax warrants are filed with the county clerk in the county where the taxpayer resides or owns property. These warrants function as judgment liens against all real and personal property of the taxpayer.
Mechanic's Liens:
Mechanic's liens in New York are governed by the New York Lien Law and must be filed with the county clerk within a specified period following completion of work. These liens are indexed under the property owner's name and are searchable through the Clerk's records system.
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Erie County Clerk's office. Staff are available to assist with name-based searches of the grantor/grantee index. A search fee of $5.00 per name per two-year period applies.
Erie County Clerk's Office 92 Franklin Street, 1st Floor Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 858-8785 Erie County Clerk
What Is Property Owner Rule in Erie County?
The property owner rule in Erie 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. Erie County does not impose separate ownership eligibility requirements beyond those established under New York State law.
Establishment of Ownership:
Under New York Real Property Law § 291, ownership of real property is established through the recording of a deed with the Erie County Clerk. A deed that is not recorded is valid between the parties to the transaction but does not provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers. The recording system therefore protects subsequent good-faith purchasers who record their instruments first.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Erie County:
- 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 by operation of law
- Tenancy in common — Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each tenant in common may convey or devise their interest independently
- 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
- Trust ownership — A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries pursuant to a trust instrument
- Corporate and LLC ownership — Business entities may hold title to real property; the entity's name appears on the deed and in the public record
Transfer of Ownership:
Ownership of real property in Erie County is transferred by a written deed executed by the grantor and acknowledged before a notary public. The deed must contain a sufficient legal description of the property, identify the grantor and grantee, and state the consideration paid. The deed is then presented to the Erie County Clerk for recording, at which time the applicable New York State real property transfer tax and Erie County transfer tax are collected.
Property Tax Obligations:
Every owner of real property in Erie County is subject to annual real property taxation administered by Erie County Real Property Tax Services. Assessments are conducted at the municipal level, and tax bills are issued by the applicable town, city, or village. Owners may apply for exemptions — including the basic STAR exemption, enhanced STAR for seniors, and veteran's exemptions — through the local assessor's office.
Adverse Possession:
New York law permits a person who has openly, notoriously, continuously, and exclusively possessed real property for a period of ten years under a claim of right to acquire legal title through adverse possession, subject to the requirements of New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law. A successful adverse possession claim must be established through a court proceeding, and the resulting judgment must be recorded with the Erie County Clerk to appear in the public record.
Erie County Real Property Tax Services 95 Franklin Street, Room 100 Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 858-8333 Real Property Tax Services