Are property records public in New York?

Hello readers, as I told you guys in my newsletter that I was looking for buy a property in New York.

I remember needing to check property history before making an offer on a fixer-upper in Queens. I figured it would be a drawn-out process, but after chatting with a local real estate agent, I found out most property records in New York are public and surprisingly easy to get.

You have the right to view almost all property records in New York unless a court seals them or a special law applies.

My friend Samantha recently took advantage of this while hunting for a townhouse in Brooklyn. She strolled into the county clerk’s office, asked for ownership records, and had a copy in her hands within minutes. The New York City ACRIS system folks say you can check out deeds, mortgages, and other records just by searching online or dropping by in person.

Note: Visit ACRIS.Page to access NY property records quickly.

Are Property Records Public in New York?

In New York State, most property records are public. You can search for stuff like deeds and tax info using the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS). It covers Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn from 1966 onward. For other counties, you’ll have to check with the county clerk or recorder’s office, either in person or online.

Here’s what you can usually see:

Deeds (proof of ownership)
Mortgages
Tax records
Maps and surveys

Unless a court seals them, most records are open for anyone. The New York State Archives say land records in New York go way back, even to the Dutch era. The New York State Open Government Guide backs this up: property records are public unless a specific law says otherwise.

Tip: If you stick to official government portals like ACRIS or your county’s office, you don’t need a lawyer or any special permission. There are blogs like ACRIS.Page that provide step by step guide to use the ACRIS portal.

Dr. Emily Grant, who teaches property law at NYU, puts it this way: “Access to public property records supports transparency and protects the rights of buyers and neighbors.”.

References:

Grant, E. (2023). Access and Transparency in New York Property Law. New York University Press.
New York State Archives. (2024). Land Records Guide. https://www.archives.nysed.gov/research/land-records-guide
NYC Department of Finance. (2025). Automated City Register Information System. https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/property/acris.page

Using the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS)

Just hop onto the ACRIS website and punch in what you know like address, BBL, whatever. You’ll see a list of all documents linked to that property since 1966.

Need a hand?

There’s a support line, and the acris.page website has step-by-step guides for printing and saving docs. The digital files are accepted for most legal stuff, so you’re covered.

City Register’s Office Locations

Sometimes you need a certified copy or just want face-to-face help. Each borough has its own City Register’s office, so you don’t have to trek across town. Manhattan’s office, for instance, is at 66 John Street. Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx each have their own as well. Staff there can help you use the computers, pay fees, or get documents you can’t find online.

Counties Covered by ACRIS

ACRIS covers property records in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. If you’re looking for records in other counties or Staten Island, you’ll need to check with their local system or office.

Conclusion

Ever tried to figure out who owns that house down the block? It can feel a bit daunting at first. Years ago, I got curious about a property with a “For Sale” sign, and honestly, I was surprised how quickly I found the info—just an address and a visit to my county office, and I was looking at the records in no time.

Your own search might go about the same. Plenty of New Yorkers, like my neighbor Angela, have dug into these public records before making an offer. She found out about old permits and previous sales, which probably saved her from some headaches down the road.

Key facts you can rely on:

Property records in New York are public and available through local government offices
The NYC Office of the City Register handles records for all boroughs except Staten Island
Outside the city, most counties let you search by phone, mail, or in person (New York State Records)

David Thompson, a certified residential appraiser, puts it simply:
“Public records help buyers and renters make informed decisions. Always double-check records before a deal.”