Baltimore County Property Records
What Is Baltimore County Property Records
Baltimore County property records are official government documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Baltimore County, Maryland. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records establish legal ownership through a chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-101, all instruments affecting title to property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, must be recorded in the land records of the county where the property is located. This statutory requirement ensures a comprehensive and accessible system of property ownership documentation.
Property records in Baltimore County are maintained by several government offices, with the primary repositories being:
Baltimore County Circuit Court Land Records
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Baltimore County Circuit Court
Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
301 W. Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-767-1184
Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
These records form the foundation of real property ownership in Baltimore County and provide essential information for property owners, potential buyers, real estate professionals, and government agencies.
Are Property Records Public Information In Baltimore County?
Property records in Baltimore County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Maryland law. The Maryland Public Information Act, codified in Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-101, establishes that government records, including property records, are presumptively open to public inspection. Additionally, Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-301 specifically requires that land records be maintained in a manner accessible to the public.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency in land ownership
- Public access serves the public interest by facilitating real estate transactions
- Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
This transparency in property ownership records serves multiple public interests, including:
- Enabling potential buyers to verify ownership before purchasing property
- Allowing lenders to confirm property ownership before issuing loans
- Permitting government agencies to assess property taxes accurately
- Facilitating research by historians, genealogists, and other interested parties
Baltimore County maintains these records in both physical and digital formats to ensure broad public accessibility in accordance with state law.
How To Search Property Records in Baltimore County in 2026
Members of the public may search Baltimore County property records through several methods. The county maintains comprehensive systems for accessing these vital documents. Individuals seeking property records may utilize the following procedures:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Real Property Database
- Select "Baltimore County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Search by property address, owner name, or property account number
- Review the property information, including ownership details, assessment values, and tax information
In-Person Search Method:
Baltimore County Circuit Court Land Records Office
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 300
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Baltimore County Circuit Court
- Visit the Land Records Office during business hours
- Complete a search request form available at the public counter
- Provide specific property information (address, owner name, etc.)
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Copy fees apply: $1.00 per page for standard copies
By Mail Request:
- Submit a written request to the Baltimore County Circuit Court Land Records Office
- Include specific property information and search parameters
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and applicable fees
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
For property tax records, individuals may also contact:
Baltimore County Office of Budget and Finance
400 Washington Avenue, Room 150
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2404
Baltimore County Property Tax Information
Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-302, the clerk of the circuit court must maintain an index of all recorded documents, which facilitates efficient searching of property records.
How To Find Property Records in Baltimore County Online?
Baltimore County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several official digital platforms. These resources allow citizens to conduct research from any location with internet access. The primary online resources for Baltimore County property records include:
-
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Real Property Database
- Access the SDAT Real Property Search portal
- Select "Baltimore County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search using one of the following methods:
- Property Account Identifier
- Premises Address
- Owner Name
- Map/Parcel/Subdivision information
- View assessment information, ownership details, and property characteristics
-
Baltimore County Property Tax Information System
- Visit the Baltimore County Property Tax portal
- Search by property address or account number
- Access tax assessment information, payment history, and current tax status
- View and print property tax bills
-
Maryland Land Records Online
- Access the MDLandRec.net system (requires free registration)
- Search by grantor/grantee names, property address, or document references
- View digital images of recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Download and print document copies
-
Baltimore County GIS Property Viewer
- Visit the Baltimore County MyNeighborhood interactive map
- Search by address or navigate the map interface
- View property boundaries, zoning information, and related geographic data
- Access links to associated property records
When using these online systems, users should note that while basic property information is available without charge, some detailed document retrievals may incur nominal fees. Additionally, certain systems may require user registration to comply with Maryland Code, State Government § 10-1305 regarding access to government records containing personally identifiable information.
How To Look Up Baltimore County Property Records for Free?
Baltimore County residents and interested parties may access property records at no cost through several official channels. The county maintains free public access options in compliance with Maryland's open records laws. The following methods provide cost-free access to property records:
Free Online Resources:
-
SDAT Real Property Database - The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation maintains a comprehensive database of property records accessible without charge. Users may search by address, owner name, or property identifier to view assessment information, ownership details, and property characteristics.
-
Baltimore County GIS Mapping System - The county's Geographic Information System provides free access to property maps, boundaries, and basic ownership information. This resource includes aerial photography and zoning information.
-
Maryland Judiciary Case Search - For property-related court cases, the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system provides free access to public court records, including foreclosures and property disputes.
Free In-Person Access:
Baltimore County Public Library - Towson Branch
320 York Road
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-6166
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Baltimore County Public Library
- Public computer terminals provide free access to online property databases
- Reference librarians can assist with navigating property record systems
- No appointment necessary
Baltimore County Circuit Court Land Records Office
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 300
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Baltimore County Circuit Court
- Public terminals available for free on-site searches
- Staff assistance available for navigating record systems
- Viewing records is free; copying fees apply only if printed copies are requested
While viewing property records is free, users should note that obtaining certified copies or extensive document reproduction may incur nominal fees as permitted under Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-206, which authorizes reasonable fees for document reproduction.
What's Included in a Baltimore County Property Record?
Baltimore County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices and contain detailed information about property ownership, characteristics, and legal status. The content of property records typically includes:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner's name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of property acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration paid
- Type of ownership (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, business entity)
Property Identification:
- Property address and legal description
- Tax account number/Property Identification Number (PIN)
- Parcel number and map references
- Subdivision name (if applicable)
- Lot and block numbers
Physical Characteristics:
- Land area (acreage or square footage)
- Building size and dimensions
- Year of construction
- Number of stories
- Construction materials
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Basement information
- Garage or outbuilding details
- Special features or improvements
Assessment and Tax Information:
- Current assessed value (land and improvements)
- Assessment history
- Property tax amounts
- Tax payment history
- Tax exemptions or credits applied
- Special assessments or fees
Legal Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and restrictions
- Plat maps and surveys
- Foreclosure notices
- Bankruptcy filings affecting the property
- Court orders related to the property
Zoning and Land Use:
- Current zoning classification
- Permitted uses
- Zoning variances or special exceptions
- Historic designations
- Environmental restrictions
Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-104, all instruments affecting title to real property must contain specific information to be eligible for recording, ensuring comprehensive documentation in the public record.
How Long Does Baltimore County Keep Property Records?
Baltimore County maintains property records in perpetuity for most essential documents related to real property ownership and transfers. The retention of these records is governed by the Maryland State Archives retention schedule and various state statutes. The following retention periods apply to different categories of property records:
Permanent Retention (Indefinite):
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Plat maps and surveys
- Easements and covenants
- Property tax assessment records
- Land patents and original grants
- Subdivision maps and plans
- Historic property designations
Extended Retention (20+ Years):
- Tax liens (retained 20 years after satisfaction)
- Mechanic's liens (retained 20 years after release)
- Judgment liens affecting property (retained 20 years after satisfaction)
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy (retained 20 years)
- Zoning variances and special exceptions (retained for life of property)
Medium-Term Retention (7-10 Years):
- Property tax payment records (retained 7 years)
- Code enforcement actions (retained 10 years after resolution)
- Temporary construction easements (retained until expiration plus 7 years)
- Property inspection reports (retained 7 years)
The Maryland State Archives, in accordance with Maryland Code, State Government § 9-1008, establishes retention schedules for all government records, including property records. The Baltimore County Circuit Court Clerk is mandated to maintain land records permanently, with both physical and digital preservation methods employed to ensure long-term accessibility.
Modern property records are maintained in digital format with regular backups and preservation measures, while historical records have been digitized for permanent preservation. The county's record retention practices ensure that property ownership history can be traced back to the original land grants and patents from the colonial era.
How To Find Liens on Property In Baltimore County?
Identifying liens on Baltimore County properties requires searching several official record repositories. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred. Members of the public may locate lien information through the following methods:
Circuit Court Land Records Search:
Baltimore County Circuit Court Land Records Office
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 300
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Baltimore County Circuit Court
- Visit the Land Records Office in person
- Request a lien search by providing the property address or owner name
- Staff will assist with searching the land records index
- Review documents for recorded liens, including:
- Mortgage liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- State tax liens
- Federal tax liens
Online Lien Search Options:
-
MDLandRec.net - Access the Maryland Land Records portal (free registration required)
- Search by property address, owner name, or property identifier
- Review index for documents categorized as liens
- View and download lien documents
-
Maryland Judiciary Case Search - Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website
- Search by property owner name
- Review civil judgments that may constitute liens on property
- Note case numbers and judgment amounts
Tax Lien Information:
Baltimore County Office of Budget and Finance
400 Washington Avenue, Room 150
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2404
Baltimore County Property Tax Information
- Search the Baltimore County Property Tax System online
- Enter the property address or account number
- Review for outstanding tax liens or delinquencies
- Request a tax lien certificate showing all outstanding county tax obligations
Federal Tax Lien Search:
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the Baltimore County Circuit Court
- Search under the property owner's name in the land records index
- Federal tax liens are public records pursuant to 26 U.S. Code § 6323
For comprehensive lien searches, many property owners and professionals utilize title companies that specialize in thorough examinations of property records. These companies can provide title reports that identify all recorded liens affecting a specific property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Baltimore County?
Baltimore County adheres to Maryland's property ownership regulations, which establish the legal framework for how real property may be owned, transferred, and encumbered. These rules govern all aspects of property ownership within the county and are derived from state statutes and common law principles.
Types of Property Ownership:
Under Maryland Code, Real Property § 2-117, Baltimore County recognizes several forms of property ownership:
- Fee Simple - The most complete form of ownership, granting the owner full rights to use, possess, and dispose of the property
- Joint Tenancy - Ownership by two or more persons with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in Common - Ownership by two or more persons without right of survivorship
- Tenancy by the Entirety - Special form of ownership available only to married couples
- Life Estate - Ownership limited to the duration of a person's life
- Condominium Ownership - Individual ownership of a unit with shared ownership of common elements
Property Transfer Requirements:
For valid property transfers in Baltimore County, the following requirements must be met:
- Deeds must be in writing and properly executed
- Deeds must include the names of grantor and grantee
- Property must be adequately described
- Consideration must be stated
- Deed must be signed by the grantor
- Deed must be acknowledged before a notary public
- Deed must be recorded in the land records
Property Tax Responsibilities:
Property owners in Baltimore County are subject to specific obligations:
- Annual payment of property taxes based on assessed value
- Notification to the assessment office of any change in mailing address
- Compliance with zoning regulations and building codes
- Maintenance of property in accordance with county codes
- Application for homestead tax credit if property is principal residence
Disclosure Requirements:
When selling property in Baltimore County, owners must provide:
- Maryland Residential Property Disclosure Statement
- Lead-based paint disclosure for properties built before 1978
- Disclosure of any known material defects
- Information about any environmental hazards
Adverse Possession Rule:
Under Maryland law, a person may claim ownership of property through adverse possession after 20 years of continuous, open, notorious, and hostile possession. This represents an important limitation on property rights and underscores the importance of property owners monitoring their boundaries and addressing encroachments promptly.
Baltimore County property owners should be aware that these rules are subject to change through legislative action and court decisions. Property owners with specific questions about their rights and responsibilities should consult with qualified legal professionals.
Lookup Property Records in Baltimore County
SDAT: Real Property Data Search
Baltimore County Property Tax System