Property record research
The records contain information such as, Block & Lot records, existing legal plans, violation copies, most recent sales and sales history, parcel number, changes of title on a property, existing and past liens, square footage of property, year the property was built, violations, permits, zoning as well as any historical records of repairs, deed records, remodeling and any structural alterations.
A homeowner in New York City can practically perform property record research by using the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS), managed by the NYC Department of Finance. ACRIS provides free and online access to property records, including deeds (legal proof of ownership), mortgages, liens, judgments, real estate transfers, tax records, and UCC filings for Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx (Staten Island uses a separate system).
Practical steps for a homeowner to research their property record through ACRIS include:
- Visit the ACRIS website at www.nyc.gov/acris.
- Click on “Search Property Records” where you can search by property address, owner’s name, document type (e.g., deed, mortgage), or borough/block/lot number.
- Review property documents available online, which include sale prices, transaction dates, mortgage details, outstanding liens or judgments, and ownership history.
Additional resources include the NYC Property Information Portal (PIP) for tax maps and records, or physically visiting local offices if needed for certified copies (certified copies cost $10; uncertified copies $1 per page). If there are questions on tax maps or land surveys, hiring a certified land surveyor is recommended.
Using ACRIS helps homeowners confirm ownership details, detect outstanding debts or liens, and review the transaction history of their property to avoid legal or financial surprises. For more comprehensive history, property owners may also check county recorder offices or online databases.
This system is the most practical and comprehensive tool for property record research in NYC for homeowners.
When “property” matters for owners
- Owner responsibilities for the property
DOB’s “Info for Property Owners” tells owners they are responsible for knowing requirements that apply to “their property,” whether a one‑family home or a large building, and for incorporating those into construction and ongoing maintenance. HPD* and housing laws echo this, requiring owners to keep the “premises” in good repair and code‑compliant, which in practice means the entire property—building, systems, and related areas. - Property as the unit for permits, violations, and taxes
Permits, inspections, violations, and Certificates of Occupancy are attached to the property record (BBL), not just to the current owner, so issues “follow the property” and can block sales or refinancing until cleared. Property tax and classification rules also treat “property” as the unit for assigning tax class (Class 1, 2, etc.), which influences how a residential or mixed‑use building is regulated and how its owner is billed.
Related terms
- NYC DOB
- parcel number
- NYC Property Information Portal
- ACRIS
- zoning
- Block & lot
- historical records
Go and check on NYC DOB website
Property research system – ACRIS
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