Chester County Property Records
What Is Chester County Property Records
Chester County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Chester County, Pennsylvania. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records in Chester County are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351, which mandates the recording of deeds and related instruments.
The primary purposes of Chester 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
- Enabling land use planning and development
The Chester County Records Search system provides centralized access to these vital records. Property records in Chester County are maintained by several county offices, including the Recorder of Deeds, Assessment Office, and Tax Claim Bureau, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
Are Property Records Public Information In Chester County?
Property records in Chester County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Pennsylvania law. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101) establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including property records. Additionally, Pennsylvania's recording statutes (21 P.S. § 357) specifically require that property records be maintained for public inspection.
The public nature of property records is based on several important principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency
- Public access to property records serves the broader public interest
- Any person may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
Chester County maintains these records in accordance with state law and provides multiple methods for public access, including in-person visits to county offices and online search tools. The county's commitment to transparency ensures that citizens, businesses, and government agencies can readily access property information for legitimate purposes.
How To Search Property Records in Chester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search Chester County property records may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The primary methods include:
In-Person Searches: Individuals may visit the Chester County Recorder of Deeds office to conduct property record searches with assistance from county staff.
Chester County Recorder of Deeds
313 W. Market Street, Suite 3302
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6330
Chester County Recorder of Deeds
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
When conducting an in-person search, requestors should:
- Bring identification
- Know the property address, owner name, or parcel number
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies (cash, check, or credit card)
- Allow sufficient time for research
Online Searches: Chester County offers comprehensive online search capabilities through several platforms:
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The Chester County Records Search portal provides access to various property records including deeds, mortgages, and liens.
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ChescoViews, the county's GIS mapping system, allows property searches by address, owner name, or parcel number.
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The Chester County Assessment Office maintains property assessment records searchable online.
Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests for property records by mail to the appropriate county office. Requests should include:
- Specific property information (address, owner name, parcel ID)
- Type of records sought
- Contact information for response
- Payment for applicable fees
How To Find Property Records in Chester County Online?
Chester County offers several online platforms for accessing property records electronically. These systems provide convenient access to property information without requiring a visit to county offices.
The primary online resources include:
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Chester County Records Search System
- Navigate to the Chester County Records Search portal
- Select the appropriate search type (name, property, document)
- Enter search criteria (owner name, property address, document number)
- Review search results and select records for viewing
- Pay applicable fees for document copies if needed
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ChescoViews GIS System
- Access the ChescoViews interactive mapping application
- Search by address, parcel number, or owner name
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and basic information
- Access links to related property records
- Export maps and data as needed
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Assessment Records
- Visit the Chester County Assessment Office website
- Access the Property Assessment Portal
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel ID
- View assessment values, property characteristics, and tax information
- Generate property record cards showing detailed property information
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Recorder of Deeds Online Records
- Access the Chester County Government Records portal
- Create a user account if required
- Search by name, document type, or property information
- View document images and index information
- Purchase certified copies if needed
Each system provides different types of property information, and users may need to consult multiple platforms for comprehensive property research.
How To Look Up Chester County Property Records for Free?
Chester County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost, though some advanced features and document copies may require payment of fees. The following methods allow for free basic property record searches:
Free Online Resources:
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ChescoViews GIS Portal
- The ChescoViews system provides free access to basic property information
- Users can search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- Property boundaries, dimensions, and basic ownership information are viewable without charge
- The system includes aerial photography and various map layers
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Assessment Information
- Basic property assessment information is available through the Assessment Office website
- The Property Assessment Portal provides free access to assessment values and property characteristics
- Users can view property class, size, improvements, and assessed value
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Public Access Terminals
- Free public access terminals are available at:
Chester County Government Services Center
601 Westtown Road
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6000Chester County Library
450 Exton Square Parkway
Exton, PA 19341
(610) 280-2600- These terminals provide access to the county's property record systems without charge
- Staff assistance may be available for basic search guidance
While basic property information is available at no cost, users should be aware that:
- Document copies typically require payment of fees
- Certified copies incur additional charges
- Subscription services for high-volume users have associated costs
- Research assistance from county staff may be limited for free searches
What's Included in a Chester County Property Record?
Chester County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets not included in property records).
Property records in Chester County are maintained by multiple offices, each responsible for different aspects:
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Recorder of Deeds Records:
- Deeds documenting property transfers
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Subdivision plans
- Powers of attorney related to real estate
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Assessment Office Records:
- Property identification information (Uniform Parcel Identifier)
- Owner name and mailing address
- Property location and legal description
- Land size and dimensions
- Building characteristics (size, age, construction type)
- Property improvements and amenities
- Assessment values for tax purposes
- Property classification (residential, commercial, agricultural)
- Exemption status (homestead, farmland, etc.)
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Tax Claim Bureau Records:
- Property tax payment status
- Tax delinquency information
- Tax sale notices and results
- Redemption information for tax-sold properties
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Prothonotary's Office Records:
- Judgments affecting real property
- Mechanics' liens
- Municipal liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Civil judgments that create property liens
The content and maintenance of these records are governed by Pennsylvania law, including the Pennsylvania Recording Act (21 P.S. § 351-356), which establishes requirements for document recording and indexing.
How Long Does Chester County Keep Property Records?
Chester County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Pennsylvania law and county policy. The retention periods vary by document type and historical significance.
Permanent Records: The following property records are maintained permanently:
- Deeds and property transfer documents
- Subdivision plans and plats
- Condominium declarations
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Property assessment records
- Tax maps and parcel identification systems
Long-Term Retention Records: These records are kept for extended periods but may not be permanent:
- Mortgage documents (retained for the life of the mortgage plus 7 years)
- Tax claim records (retained for 25 years after resolution)
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy (retained for the life of the structure)
- Zoning variances and special exceptions (retained for the life of the property or until superseded)
Medium-Term Retention Records:
- Property tax payment records (retained for 7 years)
- Assessment appeals (retained for 7 years after final determination)
- Temporary permits (retained for 5 years after expiration)
The retention of county records is governed by the Pennsylvania Local Government Records Act (53 Pa.C.S.A. § 1381-1389), which establishes minimum retention periods. Chester County follows the County Records Manual published by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for specific retention guidelines.
Historical property records in Chester County date back to the county's founding in 1682, making it one of the oldest continuous property record collections in the United States. These historical records are preserved through special archival processes and may be accessed through the Chester County Archives.
How To Find Liens on Property In Chester County?
Locating liens on Chester County properties requires searching records maintained by several different county offices. Liens are legal claims against property that secure payment of a debt or obligation and may affect property ownership and transfers.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Chester County, interested parties should:
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Search Recorder of Deeds Records:
- Access the Chester County Records Search system
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review results for mortgages, judgment liens, and other recorded encumbrances
- Note that some older records may only be available in person
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Check Prothonotary Records:
- Visit the Prothonotary's Office in person or use their online system
- Search for civil judgments, mechanics' liens, and municipal claims
- These records may reveal liens not recorded with the Recorder of Deeds
Chester County Prothonotary
201 W. Market Street, Suite 1425
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6300 -
Review Tax Records:
- Check for property tax liens through the Chester County Treasurer
- Search for unpaid municipal taxes through the relevant township or borough
- Verify if the property is subject to any tax sales or redemption periods
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Search for State and Federal Tax Liens:
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the Prothonotary
- State tax liens may be filed with either the Prothonotary or Recorder of Deeds
- These liens take priority over many other types of claims
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Check for Utility Liens:
- Contact municipal authorities for water and sewer liens
- These liens often have priority status and may not appear in standard searches
Professional title searchers or attorneys typically perform comprehensive lien searches as part of real estate transactions. For the most accurate and complete information, individuals may wish to engage professional assistance, particularly for high-value transactions or complex properties.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Chester County?
Chester County adheres to Pennsylvania's property ownership regulations, which establish the legal framework for property rights, transfers, and responsibilities. These rules are derived from state statutes, common law principles, and local ordinances.
Key aspects of property ownership rules in Chester County include:
Recording Requirements: Pennsylvania law (21 P.S. § 351) requires that all deeds and property conveyances be recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds to provide constructive notice to third parties. Unrecorded deeds remain valid between the parties but may be vulnerable to subsequent claims by third parties who record their interests.
Forms of Ownership: Chester County recognizes several forms of property ownership:
- Fee Simple (complete ownership)
- Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship
- Tenancy in Common
- Tenancy by the Entirety (for married couples)
- Life Estates
- Trust Ownership
- Corporate and LLC Ownership
Property Transfer Requirements: Property transfers in Chester County must comply with:
- Proper deed execution and acknowledgment
- Payment of state and local transfer taxes
- Completion of the Statement of Value form
- Compliance with municipal ordinances regarding certificates of occupancy
- Disclosure of known material defects
Property Tax Responsibilities: Property owners in Chester County are responsible for:
- Payment of county, municipal, and school district property taxes
- Applying for applicable exemptions (homestead, farmland, etc.)
- Notifying the Assessment Office of property improvements
- Appealing assessments if believed to be incorrect
Land Use Regulations: Property ownership in Chester County is subject to:
- Municipal zoning ordinances
- Subdivision and land development regulations
- Historic district requirements in designated areas
- Environmental protection regulations
- Deed restrictions and homeowners' association rules
These property ownership rules are enforced through various county offices, including the Recorder of Deeds, Assessment Office, and Planning Commission, as well as through municipal governments and the court system when necessary.