New Jersey Property Records

New Jersey has the densest population of any state in the country, with 90% of the population living in urban areas. The first-ever baseball game was played in Hoboken, NJ. Living so close to New York, residents enjoy a lot of what the city has to offer. Such a dense population means millions of property records.

Property records in New Jersey affect individuals, investors, real estate professionals, legal entities, the courts, and local governments. They touch on many different areas of the home-buying and selling process. Some prove land ownership, others are used to transfer property, and some supply information that affects the property owner or the property itself.

Keep reading this guide to learn all about property records in New Jersey, what they are, the different types, the information contained within them, who is responsible for them, and how they are stored, found, and maintained.

What Are Property Records in New Jersey?

Property records are many different things. New Jersey property records are legal documents that provide information about a piece of real property within the state and its current and historical owners.

Components of Property Records in New Jersey

Property records in New Jersey come from many places. They are created by individuals, lawyers, title companies, town offices, counties, the courts, real estate professionals, and others. They include a lot of detailed information about the property and owners. Some of the most common types of data you will find in New Jersey property records are:

Property Address
Detailed Legal Property Description
Current Owner's Name and Address
Historical Owners
Deeds
Liens
Tax Records
Mortgage Records
Bankruptcies
Foreclosures
Plat Maps
Surveys
Easements / Conveyances
Property Details
Lot Size
Zoning
Boundary Lines

The above is only a partial list. You may find much more information, including related records about the owner(s).

Sources of Property Records in New Jersey

Several government offices create, store, and maintain property records. Deeds are filed with the county clerk's office, and the local county tax assessor and the county board of taxation handle tax records. The courts and state offices may have other records, such as building permits, appraisals, tax assessments, etc.

Some counties, like Monmouth County, have open public records portals where you can search for public records. Most records will be maintained at the county level.

What Are Property Records County Clerk's Office

Each New Jersey county clerk's office is responsible for filing, storing, and making certain property records public. A few examples include deeds, mortgages, building permits, and other documents. Once you file a record with the county clerk's office, it becomes legal and public. You can access county records through this office.

How Property Records are Maintained in New Jersey

Some counties use different names for the office that maintains property records. For example, Essex County calls its office the Register of Deeds and Mortgages. Other counties use the term county clerk's office.

Filing records correctly and maintaining them means you must contact the correct agency. For example, if you need to file a deed in Essex County, you can visit the Essex County Register of Deeds and Mortgages office.

Accessing Records at the County Clerk's in New Jersey

Most counties have websites and search portals where you can find public property records, among other things. You can also visit the county clerk's office in person and ask for records. You may have to wait and pay a small fee per page. Some of the county websites are:

County Clerk's Office Locations in New Jersey

The key to finding the records you need is knowing which county they are located in. Mercer County has provided a complete listing of all the county clerk's offices in New Jersey.

Types of Property Records

Within the realm of New Jersey property records, there are quite a few types. The most common you will hear about or encounter are listed below with details about how they originate, what their purpose is, and how they affect the property owner.

Deeds and Conveyance Records

Deeds are one of the most common types of property records. They transfer ownership and convey easements, restrictions, and other details about the property. During real estate transactions, they outline the type of warranty the seller offers the buyer. As of 2022, New Jersey had a total of 3,785,346 housing units.

Some of the information on deeds will include:

Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
A detailed description of the property.
Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
Notarization and execution are at the bottom, where everyone signs to make it legal.

Property Tax Records

Anyone who owns property in New Jersey must pay annual taxes on it. The county tax assessor and the county board of taxation manage tax records. The county tax assessor mails out property tax bills every July. Residents must pay the taxes in four installments (Feb 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1).

If homeowners do not pay their taxes, the county can also put a lien on the property and eventually foreclose and sell it at auction.

New Jersey has one of the highest property tax rates of 2.33%. The median home value is $401,400, meaning homeowners pay an average of $9,345 in yearly property taxes!

The following information may appear in a standard property tax record document in New Jersey:

Tax Rates - Each property falls under a different taxing jurisdiction. Therefore, tax rates differ depending on the jurisdiction's needs. The tax record should identify the jurisdiction and provide the working tax rate.
Tax Exemptions - The document may provide information on applicable tax exemptions or deductions.
Property Description - The document will provide an accurate property description, including information such as the physical address. Some documents have a full legal description.
Property Owner - The document should name the property owner (s), their physical address, and contact information.
Payments - The document may show a list of the payments made so far and when they were made.

How Often is Property Tax in New Jersey Assessed?

Property taxes in New Jersey are assessed once every five years. Therefore, the assessment process is conducted by local assessors. Assessors must follow the set guidelines for determining property values. The exact assessment process may differ depending on the assessor. However, it involves three key parts:

The first stage is to determine the property's value. Local assessors hired by the town or county assessor determine the value of each property within their jurisdiction. They consider numerous aspects, such as the size, location, condition, and comparable sales in the neighborhood.

Following the property assessment, the property owner receives a notification, sometimes called a 'Notice of Assessment.' The notice shows the property's assessed value, which is used to calculate property taxes.

Property owners have the right to evaluate their assessment. They may pursue a meeting with the local assessor to debate the assessment or give additional information that may affect the property's value. This phase allows property owners to check that the assessment is correct.

Easements and Covenants

Easements and covenants are included in deeds and other NJ property records. An easement is a right-of-way that allows someone other than the owner to legally access the property for a specific purpose. For example, a power company with telephone poles on private property can access the property to maintain their poles without asking the owner.

Covenants are restrictions on how homeowners can use the property. Many condo associations have bylaws that dictate how common land may be used. For example, you cannot have a big outdoor party in common areas without approval from the board.

Plats and Surveys

Plats and surveys are different types of maps showing the boundaries of a specific property. Plats also show the boundaries of neighboring properties, whereas surveys only show the boundaries of a single property.

Types of property surveys in New Jersey include the following:

Boundary Survey - The survey locates and marks the property lines to determine the precise boundaries of a property. It entails measuring and charting the land's perimeter and researching existing titles, plats, and legal descriptions.
ALTA/NSPS Survey - When a property is transferred or financed, an ALTA (American Land Title Association) or NSPS (National Society of Professional Surveyors) survey is often performed. It contains extensive information about the property, such as boundaries, easements, encroachments, rights-of-way, and other notable features.
Flood Elevation Survey - This survey determines the elevation of a property in reference to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) base flood elevation. It identifies flood-prone locations and assesses flood risk.
Construction Stakeout Survey - A construction stakeout survey involves placing markers and reference points on a property to guide building activity. It guarantees that buildings, structures, roads, and utilities are situated according to plan and that all legal requirements are met.

Historical Property Records

Since property records can become cumbersome over time, New Jersey has initiated a project to archive more than 80,000 historical records. You can learn more about how to access them here.

How Can I Search for Property Records?

There are many instances where you need to find property records. The trick is knowing where to look. You can use any of the options below to find New Jersey property records quickly.

Online Property Record Search

You can perform an online property records search quite easily. Start with Google and enter the property address or current owner's name. You may or may not find precisely what you need.

In-Person Property Record Search

You can always visit the county clerk's office and request specific property records. To make the search easy, be sure to have at least the full property address and possibly the owner's name, as well as other information.

Using Property Record Indexes

Each county clerk's office has a website, and many offer free searches. You can try that or check other property record indexes, such as those of realty and title companies or third-party options.

Utilizing Commercial Services

Commercial websites like PropertyChecker make it very fast and easy to search property records. You can run unlimited searches and find what you need within minutes. PropertyChecker has millions of nationwide property records, including everything from deeds and mortgages to liens, foreclosures, and even building permits.

How to Search Property Records by Address

Searching by property address is the easiest way. Type in the full property address, including city and state, in a search portal and see what comes up.

How to Search Property Records by Name

Some search portals allow you to search by name. Enter the current or a previous owner's full name.

Understanding Property Ownership in New Jersey

There is nothing quite like owning your own home. However, you must understand that many property records are New Jersey public records. Your information and property ownership details will be available to anyone who wants to look them up. As property changes hands, more paperwork is generated to document the chain of title.

Chain of Title

The chain of title is the complete list of everyone who has ever owned the property. There can be no break in the chain of title. Someone has always owned it, even if the documents don't illustrate it.

Ownership History and Transfers

Deeds tell the story about who owned the property and when. They also validate legal property transfers. In some cases, the property is sold from seller to buyer, and in other instances, it may be gifted to heirs. Property changes hands in a myriad of ways. Deeds document it all.

New Jersey Titles

Titles refer to proof of ownership or the legal document demonstrating property ownership. In New Jersey, title records are kept by the County Clerk's Office or the Register of Deeds Office. The following information appears in a standard New Jersey title:

Property Description - A property title may include a detailed description of the property, such as its physical address, lot and block numbers, metes and bounds description, or other legal specifications required to identify its limits and location.
Liens and Encumbrances - Any liens, encumbrances, or other claims on the property may appear in the title. It may include mortgages, tax liens, or other restrictions on the use or ownership of the land.
Transfer History - The title may include a record of previous ownership transfers, documenting the sequence of ownership across time. It can reveal past owners, transfer dates, and documents linked with said transactions, such as deeds and conveyances.
Rights and Restrictions - The title may outline any property rights or restrictions, such as easements, rights-of-way, or homeowner's association agreements, that affect the use of the property.

How to Get Property Owner Information

You can request property owner information by checking online, visiting a county website and performing a search, or going to the county clerk's office in person to ask for records.

Property Descriptions and Boundaries in New Jersey

Since there is so much property in New Jersey, property descriptions are critical to the puzzle. They appear on legal documents and property records to uniquely identify the land and buildings so anyone can find them. These descriptions are essential to property records.

Surveys and Land Measurements

A land survey maps out the shape and boundaries of a specific property. Surveyors use special equipment to measure the land and verify where it occupies space. Surveys are involved in real estate deals, new development, installing utilities, dividing up land, and boundary disputes.

How to Find Property Survey Records

Property survey records may be found at the county level. For example, Ocean County Library provides access to them on their website.

Boundary Disputes and Resolutions

Sometimes, neighbors fight over boundaries, which can lead to court issues. Surveys are used to verify the actual boundaries of the land and clear up any misunderstandings.

Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in New Jersey

Property records also contain information about encumbrances (such as liens), which can make the property harder to buy or sell. There are two types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary Liens

Voluntary liens are those that you approve and allow to be placed on your property for a specific reason, such as a mortgage.

Mortgage Liens

Mortgages are fairly common. Whenever someone cannot pay cash for a house, they can apply for a mortgage to borrow the money to buy the property. Lenders offer mortgages to people with good credit who can afford to buy the home. When you take out a mortgage, you agree to pay back the loan over a number of years with monthly payments, including taxes, insurance, and interest. You also agree to allow the lender to put a lien on the property. Their name will be listed alongside yours on the deed until you pay it off. The lien provides a legal outlet for the lender to seize and sell your home if you default on the mortgage so they can get paid.

Mortgage records in New Jersey typically include the following:

Parties Involved - The borrower (mortgagor) and the lender (mortgagee) are identified in the mortgage document. It contains their names, addresses, and sometimes other information, such as marital status.
Loan Amount and Terms - The mortgage specifies the amount borrowed by the mortgagor and the agreed-upon terms, such as the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fines or penalties.
Mortgage Clauses - Prepayment penalties, late payment fines, default provisions, and other special terms agreed upon by the parties may be included in the contract.
Signatures and Notarization - Both the mortgagor and the mortgagee sign the mortgage, and it may need to be notarized to be legitimate.

Involuntary Liens

Involuntary liens are placed on your property without your permission to collect an unpaid debt. Some types of involuntary liens include:

Mechanic's Liens

A mechanic's lien in New Jersey is a legal vehicle used by contractors, subcontractors, engineers, landscapers, material suppliers, and laborers to collect an unpaid debt. If someone does work on your property and you fail to pay them, they can put a lien on your house until you do.

Tax Liens

Tax liens are more serious. If you don't pay your annual property taxes, the local county can put a lien on your property and eventually foreclose and sell your house to pay off the back taxes.

Judgment Liens

Creditors use judgment liens when you don't pay your debts. They, too, can put a lien on the property and then take you to court. If the judge finds in favor of the creditor, they can foreclose and force a sale to get their money.

How Liens Affect Property Records

Liens are like stains on property. They do not wash off until they are paid in full. Liens can make real estate transactions complicated, and many buyers won't want to buy a property with unpaid liens on it.

The Process of Property Liens in New Jersey

The process of placing a lien on a property differs depending on the type of lien. Here is a breakdown of how contractors and similar parties can place a mechanic's lien on a property in New Jersey:

New Jersey requires claimants to send preliminary notices before the lien process. Subcontractors and suppliers on private projects must send the notice within 60 days of completing the project. On the other hand, subcontractors and suppliers on public projects must send notice within 20 days of the first working days. Public projects allow late notices in some cases.
The second step of placing a lien is filling out and submitting the form. Mechanics lien forms require information such as a property description, property owner's name and details, details of the work or supplies provided, dates of working, and other important information about the work. The lien should not include fees for filing the lien or attorney fees.
Next, the claimant should record the lien in a government office to make it public. The clerk in every county records mechanics liens. Therefore, claimants should visit the office in the respective county with the correct fees and requirements. Some counties allow other methods of recording, such as e-recording and mail. Once the county clerk signs and records the lien, the claimant should obtain copies.
If they did not contract directly, the claimant must send copies of the recorded lien to the property owner and general contractor.

Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in New Jersey

Real estate transactions make up the bulk of New Jersey property records. They are generated before, during, and even after a deal. Some instances when property records come into play during real estate deals are:

Buying Property: Due Diligence

When you are buying property, it's your responsibility to find out all you can about it and perform due diligence so that you can go into the sale confidently. Property records can help you out quite a bit by researching the fair market value and taxes, looking for liens or foreclosures, and other details.

Selling Property: Providing Disclosure

Home sellers in New Jersey must disclose to potential buyers any material defects they are aware of. These defects most often refer to lead paint and asbestos. Property records can help fill in any blanks.

Title Searches and Insurance

An attorney or title company handles the preparation and closing of a real estate deal. They will run a thorough property title search, looking for defects or issues that might derail the sale.

If the buyer uses a lender, they will require that the buyer purchase title insurance to protect them and the buyer after the sale if anyone makes a legal claim on the property.

Foreclosure and Property Records in New Jersey

When liens are placed on a property, there is always the chance of foreclosure. If the lienholder forecloses, they will sell the property at auction and evict the owners. Foreclosures show up in property records. In fact, many investors search for foreclosure homes to pick them up cheaply and sell them for a profit.

Property Records and Property Values

Property values are another vital aspect of property ownership and records. Property values can change quickly or slowly depending on many factors, including the market and economy. Some property records indicate property value, such as mortgages, assessments, appraisals, and more.

Assessments and Appraisals

Tax assessors use assessments to set tax rates for all properties within the area. Mortgage lenders use appraisals to value the home to ensure that the fair market value is enough to support the loan should the owner default and have to sell it to get their money back.

Property Records and Market Value

Fair market value comes from comparing other properties in the same area. These values are used in appraisals and other records. The fair market value may differ from a tax-assessed value.

Factors that Determine Property Values in New Jersey

Location - Desirable neighborhoods with location-specific attractions such as good school districts, suburban areas, recreational activities, and transportation options often command higher property values.
Size - Bigger homes and plot sizes in New Jersey often value higher.
Condition - When it comes to homes, those with modern amenities that are well maintained often command higher values. Smart homes are also on the rise in popularity and price.

Privacy and Property Records

Property records are public, so anyone can request and review them. If you buy or sell property, your name and address will appear in public property records. Other information may also appear, depending on the type of record and the entity in charge of them.

Accessing Public Property Records

You can access public property records by searching online or visiting the particular office that holds them. You can request copies if you don't mind waiting. Some offices will charge a slight fee per page.

Protecting Personal Information in Public Records

You cannot keep all of your information private. If you want to minimize exposure, you can contact the offices that hold your records and ask them to remove anything that is not your name or address. You don't want personally identifiable information out there.

You might also want to contact the owners of online repositories and ask for your personal information to be removed.

Why are Property Records Public?

Property records are public to protect the citizens and disallow any government office from having too much power and making decisions that are contrary to what the people want.

Maintaining and Amending Property Records

Life changes dictate that property records must be changed at certain times. Maintaining your own property records is essential. You can do this in a few different ways.

Correcting Errors on Property Records

People make mistakes, and sometimes public property records have errors in them. You can fix them by visiting the correct office, providing source documentation, and requesting they fix the issue.

Amending Property Records for Legal Changes

You may also need to update property records when someone dies or change them for other legal reasons. To do so, visit the proper office and bring the death certificate or other documents to certify the change.

How to change the name on Property records in New Jersey

If you get married or divorced, you will also want to change your records to update your name. Bring your divorce decree or marriage certificate with you when visiting the county clerk's office and ask them to update the records.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?

There is a lot to consider when buying property. Things like property values, liens, foreclosures, building permits, deeds, and taxes can help you make an informed decision. Rely on PropertyChecker to find out everything you need before buying.

New Jersey County Property Records