Chemung County Property Records
What Is Chemung County Property Records
Property records in Chemung County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public.
The primary purposes of Chemung County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
The Chemung County Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of property records for the county. This office is responsible for recording, indexing, and maintaining all documents related to real property transactions, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and related instruments. The recording system provides a chronological history of ownership and encumbrances for each parcel of land within the county.
Property records in Chemung County are maintained in accordance with New York State laws governing the recording and preservation of land records. These records form an essential component of the county's public information system and are vital to the functioning of the local real estate market.
Are Property Records Public Information In Chemung County?
Property records in Chemung County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction as to purpose or relationship to the property. This public access is mandated by both the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and specific provisions in the New York Real Property Law.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- New York Public Officers Law § 87, which establishes the presumption of access to all government records
- New York Real Property Law § 291, which requires the recording of instruments affecting real property
- The principle that property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recognition that transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
The Chemung County Clerk maintains these records and makes them available for public inspection during regular business hours. Additionally, many property records are now accessible through the county's online records portal, enhancing public access while maintaining the integrity of the official records.
Chemung County Clerk's Office
203 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2920
Chemung County Clerk
Members of the public may access property records without demonstrating any special interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the longstanding legal tradition that property ownership information must be publicly available to protect the interests of all parties in real estate transactions.
How To Search Property Records in Chemung County in 2026
Searching property records in Chemung County can be accomplished through several methods, each designed to accommodate different research needs. The county offers both in-person and online options for accessing property information.
For in-person searches, individuals may visit:
Chemung County Clerk's Office
203 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2920
Chemung County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The process for conducting a property records search includes:
- Determine the specific information needed (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Gather identifying information about the property (address, tax map number, owner name)
- Complete any required request forms provided by the clerk's office
- Submit the request to the appropriate county staff
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
- Receive the requested records
For more complex searches or historical research, the clerk's office staff can provide guidance on using the county's indexing systems. Researchers may need to consult multiple record books or databases depending on the time period and type of document being sought.
The Real Property Tax Services department also maintains property assessment records that complement the ownership documents held by the County Clerk. These records provide information about property values, tax status, and physical characteristics.
Chemung County Real Property Tax Services
425 Pennsylvania Avenue
Elmira, NY 14904
(607) 737-5670
Real Property Tax Services
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fees for property record searches and copies are established by county ordinance and state law. Current fee schedules are available at the respective offices or on the Chemung County official website.
How To Find Property Records in Chemung County Online?
Chemung County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many property research needs.
The primary online resource for property records is the Chemung County Online Records Search portal. This system allows users to search for and view various property documents remotely. To effectively use this online system:
- Navigate to the Chemung County Online Records Search portal
- Select the appropriate search type (name, property address, document type)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the search results list
- Select specific documents to view
- Pay any applicable fees for document viewing or printing
- Download or print the desired documents
The online system provides access to:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and releases
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Maps and surveys
- Other recorded instruments affecting real property
For property tax and assessment information, users can access the Real Property Tax Services online database. This system contains:
- Current property ownership information
- Assessment values
- Tax map numbers
- Property classification
- Physical property characteristics
- Tax payment status
When using online systems, researchers should note that:
- Some older records may not be available in digital format
- Certain document types may require in-person access
- Official certified copies typically must be obtained in person
- Online access may involve user fees or subscription costs
The county continuously expands its digital records, with most documents from recent decades now available online. However, historical research may still require consultation of physical records maintained at the County Clerk's Office.
How To Look Up Chemung County Property Records for Free?
Chemung County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost, though certain services and document copies may involve fees. Understanding the free access points can help residents and researchers maximize their use of public resources.
Free property record access options include:
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Public Access Terminals: The Chemung County Clerk's Office maintains public computer terminals that provide free on-site access to the county's property records database. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
Chemung County Clerk's Office
203 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2920
Chemung County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Basic Online Searches: The Chemung County Online Records Search system allows free basic searching of property records. While viewing or printing documents may incur fees, the search functionality itself is available at no cost.
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Tax Assessment Records: Basic property information is available through the Real Property Tax Services online portal, which provides free access to assessment data, property characteristics, and ownership information.
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Public Libraries: Several public libraries in Chemung County offer free internet access where residents can use the county's online property record systems. The Steele Memorial Library in Elmira is particularly well-equipped to assist with public records research.
When using free access options, researchers should be aware of certain limitations:
- Document printing or copying typically involves fees (generally $0.25-$5.00 per page depending on document type)
- Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
- Complex searches may require staff assistance, which could involve service fees
- Some specialized databases may only be available through paid subscriptions
For researchers needing extensive access to property records, the county offers various subscription options through its online portal. These paid services provide enhanced search capabilities and document access for frequent users such as title companies, attorneys, and real estate professionals.
What's Included in a Chemung County Property Record?
Property records in Chemung County encompass a diverse range of documents that collectively provide comprehensive information about real property ownership, encumbrances, and characteristics. These records are maintained by multiple county offices according to their respective jurisdictions.
The primary categories of property records include:
Ownership Documents (County Clerk's Office):
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, executor's, etc.)
- Certificates of real estate value
- Transfer tax declarations
- Affidavits of title
- Powers of attorney related to property
Financial Encumbrances (County Clerk's Office):
- Mortgages and mortgage assignments
- Mortgage satisfactions and releases
- Federal and state tax liens
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Lis pendens (pending litigation notices)
Property Description Documents (County Clerk's Office):
- Surveys and plat maps
- Subdivision maps
- Condominium declarations
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
Assessment and Tax Records (Real Property Tax Services):
- Property tax identification numbers
- Assessment values (land and improvements)
- Property classification codes
- Tax payment history
- Exemption information
- Physical property characteristics
A typical property record in Chemung County contains detailed information including:
- Legal description of the property
- Names of current and previous owners
- Dates of property transfers
- Purchase prices or consideration amounts
- Mortgage amounts and lender information
- Property dimensions and acreage
- Building characteristics (if improved property)
- Easements or restrictions affecting the property
These records are maintained in accordance with New York Real Property Law § 316, which establishes requirements for indexing and preserving land records. The law mandates specific information that must be captured and maintained in the county's official records system.
It's important to note that property records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). The county recording system primarily addresses real property interests, while personal property records are generally maintained through other systems such as the New York Department of Motor Vehicles for vehicles or the UCC filing system for certain business assets.
How Long Does Chemung County Keep Property Records?
Chemung County maintains property records in perpetuity, with retention schedules governed by New York State Archives' Records Retention and Disposition Schedule CO-2 for County Governments. This comprehensive retention policy ensures the preservation of the county's property history for both current use and historical research.
The retention periods for key property records include:
- Deeds and Property Transfers: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Liens and Releases: Permanent retention
- Maps and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Tax Assessment Rolls: Permanent retention
- Property Record Cards: Permanent retention for current cards; superseded cards retained for minimum of 6 years
Pursuant to New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25, county clerks must maintain and preserve all records filed or recorded in their offices. This statutory mandate ensures the long-term preservation of property records regardless of age.
The Chemung County Clerk's Office has implemented a multi-faceted records preservation program that includes:
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Microfilming of historical records
- Digital scanning and indexing of both current and historical documents
- Backup systems to protect against data loss
- Conservation treatments for deteriorating historical records
While all property records are retained permanently, the format and accessibility may vary based on the age of the documents:
- Recent records (approximately 1980-present): Generally available in both digital and original formats
- Mid-range records (approximately 1950-1980): May be available digitally, on microfilm, and in original format
- Historical records (pre-1950): Often available in original format and microfilm, with ongoing digitization efforts
The Chemung County Clerk works in conjunction with the New York State Archives to ensure proper preservation techniques are employed for all property records. This collaboration helps protect these vital documents for future generations while maintaining their accessibility for current use.
How To Find Liens on Property In Chemung County?
Locating liens on property in Chemung County requires searching specific records maintained by various county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold, making their discovery an essential part of property research.
The process for finding liens on Chemung County property includes:
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Search County Clerk Records: The primary source for most property liens is the Chemung County Clerk's Office. Their records include:
- Mortgage liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics' liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax liens
- Child support liens
- Other statutory liens
These records can be accessed through:
Chemung County Clerk's Office
203 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2920
Chemung County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Check Tax Records: Property tax liens are recorded with the county treasurer and tax collection offices:
Chemung County Treasurer's Office
320 E. Market Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2960
Chemung County Treasurer
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Search Online Records: Many liens can be located through the Chemung County Online Records Search portal. This system allows searches by:
- Property owner name
- Property address
- Tax map number
- Document type (selecting specific lien categories)
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Review Municipal Records: For certain types of liens related to code violations, unpaid utility bills, or special assessments, check with the specific municipality where the property is located:
City of Elmira
317 E. Church Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-5644
City of Elmira
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When searching for liens, researchers should be aware that:
- Liens are indexed by the name of the property owner at the time the lien was recorded
- A complete lien search requires checking multiple name variations
- Some liens have expiration dates or must be renewed periodically
- The priority of liens (which are paid first from sale proceeds) is generally determined by their recording date
- Certain statutory liens may have priority regardless of recording date
For complex properties or those with multiple owners over time, a professional title search may be advisable. Title companies operating in Chemung County have expertise in comprehensive lien searches and access to specialized databases that can streamline the process.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Chemung County?
The Property Owner Rule in Chemung County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, transfer, and recording within the county. These rules are derived from New York State law and local ordinances, creating a framework that defines property rights and responsibilities.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements: Pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the County Clerk to provide constructive notice to the public. Unrecorded documents remain valid between the parties to the transaction but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers who record their interests without knowledge of the prior unrecorded document.
Chain of Title Principles: Property ownership in Chemung County follows the "chain of title" concept, where each transfer must connect to the previous owner in an unbroken sequence. Gaps in this chain can create title defects that may require legal action to resolve.
Ownership Forms: Chemung County recognizes various forms of property ownership, including:
- Fee simple (complete ownership)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Tenancy by the entirety (for married couples)
- Life estates
- Trust ownership
Transfer Tax Requirements: Real property transfers in Chemung County are subject to:
- New York State Real Estate Transfer Tax
- Additional local transfer taxes where applicable
- Filing of RP-5217 Real Property Transfer Report
- Payment of all taxes prior to recording
Disclosure Requirements: Property sellers in Chemung County must comply with New York State disclosure laws, including:
- Property Condition Disclosure Statement requirements
- Lead-based paint disclosures for pre-1978 housing
- Disclosure of known material defects
Zoning and Land Use Regulations: Property owners must comply with:
- County and municipal zoning ordinances
- Subdivision regulations
- Building codes and permit requirements
- Historic district restrictions where applicable
The Real Property Tax Services department plays a key role in implementing aspects of the Property Owner Rule related to assessment and taxation. This office maintains the official tax maps and property identification system used throughout the county.
Property owners should be aware that these rules are subject to change through legislative action and court decisions. Current information about specific property regulations can be obtained from the Chemung County Clerk's Office or through consultation with a real estate attorney familiar with local property law.