Property & Public Records

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Understanding the Property Record

Several different public records may exist for the same property, and each serves a different purpose.

A municipal tax assessment record may show the street address, block and lot, assessed value, and the owner listed for tax purposes. These records can be useful for identifying the property and organizing estate information.

The recorded deed is a different document. It is generally recorded at the county level and may show how ownership was conveyed and how the property was titled when the deed was recorded.

Neither an assessment record nor simply locating a deed is the same as determining current legal ownership or confirming clear title.

Recorded Documents

Deeds & County Land Records

New Jersey deeds and many other documents affecting real estate are recorded at the county level. County Clerk or Registrar records may include deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, easements, liens, and other recorded instruments.

These records may help an executor, trustee, or family member locate documents relating to estate or trust property and identify questions that need further review.

NJ.gov provides links to each county and its County Clerk, which can be a useful starting point when looking for recorded property documents.

Official source: State of New Jersey

Taxes & Assessments

Property Tax & Assessment Records

Property taxes and assessments are generally administered locally. Municipal tax assessors maintain assessment information, while tax collectors handle property-tax billing and payments.

For an executor or trustee, these records may help confirm the property's assessment, identify ongoing tax obligations, and maintain records of expenses paid by the estate or trust.

When tax or assessment information is needed, the municipality where the property is located is usually the appropriate place to begin.

Municipal Records

Permits, Zoning & Other Public Records

Municipalities may maintain additional records relating to a property, including construction permits, certificates, zoning records, variances, resolutions, and other government records.

Some records may already be available online or directly from the municipal department that maintains them. When they are not readily available, a public-records request may be appropriate.

Under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act, the important first step is identifying the public agency that maintains the record and directing the request to that agency's records custodian.

Official source: State of New Jersey