Perry County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Perry County in 2026
PerryRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Perry County, Ohio. Members of the public may find ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessments, mortgage filings, liens, and related encumbrances through this resource. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the document type, recording date, and the originating government office.
Property records in Perry County may be searched through several official channels:
- Perry County Recorder's Office – for deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded instruments
- Perry County Auditor's Office – for property tax assessments, ownership data, and sales transactions
- Perry County GIS/Mapping System – for parcel boundaries and geographic data
- Ohio Secretary of State – for business entity records related to property-owning entities
Online Search Methods:
1. Perry County Auditor's Office – Property Search
The Perry County Auditor's Office maintains a publicly accessible online database of property assessment and ownership records.
Primary Resource for Property Information:
- Free public access with no registration required
- Searchable by owner name, parcel number, or property address
- Provides current ownership, assessed values, sales history, and tax data
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision or legal description
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel/folio number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and transfer records
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Perry County Auditor's property search portal
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the results list returned
- Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
- Access sales history, tax data, and map links from the property detail page
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Perry County Recorder's Office – Official Records Search
The Perry County Recorder's Office maintains all recorded instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. As noted on the Perry County Recorder's Office website, "The Recorder's office cannot perform searches; however, all records kept within the office are public record and available for inspection."
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller/transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer/transferee)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number or instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens filings
- HOA declarations
How to Search:
- Visit the Recorder's public records terminal in person or access the online index
- Select the appropriate search type (grantor, grantee, document type)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the indexed results
- Request document images or copies as needed
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
3. Perry County GIS / Mapping System
The Perry County GIS system provides a visual, map-based interface for locating parcels and accessing linked property data.
Features Available:
- Interactive parcel maps with aerial photography
- Property boundary overlays
- Zoning and land use layers
- Flood zone designations
- Links to Auditor and Recorder data from map interface
How to Use:
- Navigate the map to the desired location
- Click on a parcel to view property identification information
- Access linked Auditor or Recorder records from the parcel popup
- Use measurement tools to assess distances and lot dimensions
In-Person Searches:
Perry County Recorder's Office
Perry County Recorder's Office
121 South Main Street, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-2045
Perry County Recorder
- Public access terminals available during business hours
- Staff available to direct members of the public to the correct index
- Certified copies available upon request
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Perry County Auditor's Office
Perry County Auditor's Office
121 South Main Street, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-2074
Perry County Auditor
- Public access computers for property record searches
- Staff assistance with assessment and ownership inquiries
- Property cards, tax data, and exemption information available
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
By Mail Requests:
Recorder's Office – Mail Requests
- Mailing Address: Perry County Recorder, 121 South Main Street, New Lexington, OH 43764
- Specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address with approximate date range
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Certified copies are available upon written request with appropriate payment
Auditor's Office – Mail Requests
- Mailing Address: Perry County Auditor, 121 South Main Street, New Lexington, OH 43764
- Include the property address or parcel number in the request
- Specify the type of information sought (ownership, assessment, tax history)
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Through Professionals:
- Title Companies – Conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests
- Real Estate Attorneys – Provide legal title opinions, resolve complex ownership disputes, and advise on encumbrances
- Real Estate Agents – Access MLS data for listed properties, pull comparable sales, and assist with property history as part of representation
Search Tips:
- When searching by owner name, try the last name first and consider spelling variations or maiden names
- When searching by address, try with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the Recorder's Office is required
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing time
- Verify results using the parcel number when common names or similar addresses produce multiple results
What Is Perry County Property Records
Property records in Perry County are official legal documents related to real property — land and any structures affixed to it — maintained by county government offices pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 317.08, which governs the duties of the county recorder and the categories of instruments required to be recorded. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the foundation for property taxation and real estate transactions. Under Ohio law, recorded instruments provide constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish and verify legal ownership of real property
- Provide an unbroken chain of title from original conveyance to present
- Record encumbrances including mortgages, liens, and easements
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate transactions and lending
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Life estate deeds and trustee's deeds
- Transfer-on-death designations
- Ownership history and chain of title documents
- Trust documents affecting real property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and access agreements
- Deed restrictions and covenants
- Homeowner association (HOA) declarations
- Lis pendens filings (notice of pending litigation)
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments (land and improvement values)
- Annual tax bills and payment history
- Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions and Survey Records:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Recorded surveys and re-plats
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation records
- Zoning classifications and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records in Perry County:
Perry County Recorder's Office:
The Recorder is the custodian of all recorded instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The office indexes documents by grantor and grantee name and maintains permanent records open to public inspection. As stated on the Perry County Records page, "Many types of documents are recorded for public record including land ownership, title transfers and mortgage history."
Perry County Auditor's Office:
The Auditor maintains property valuation records, assessment rolls, ownership information, and exemption applications. The Perry County Auditor provides searchable property records including ownership, sales transactions, and tax records through its online portal.
Perry County Treasurer's Office:
The Treasurer maintains tax payment records, delinquency information, and tax certificate data.
Perry County Building and Zoning Department:
Maintains permit records, inspection reports, zoning classifications, and code enforcement files.
Legal Framework:
Ohio property recording law is governed primarily by Ohio Revised Code § 5301.25, which establishes that instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers. Ohio's public records law, codified at Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, guarantees public access to government records, including property records maintained by county offices.
Are Property Records Public Information in Perry County?
Property records in Perry County are public information. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, all public records maintained by government offices are open to inspection by any member of the public. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records. This principle reflects centuries of American common law tradition establishing that land records must be publicly accessible to provide constructive notice and support the integrity of the real estate marketplace.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 (Ohio Public Records Act)
- Ohio Revised Code § 317.08 (County Recorder duties and public access)
- Ohio Revised Code § 5301.25 (constructive notice through recording)
- Common law tradition of open land records
- Constitutional protections for property rights
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency:
- The public has a recognized right to know who owns real property
- Open records prevent fraudulent secret transfers
- Transparent taxation requires publicly accessible assessment data
- Government accountability in property-related decisions depends on open records
Commercial and Legal Purposes:
- Title searches and title insurance require access to recorded instruments
- Lenders rely on recorded mortgage and lien data
- Appraisers and real estate professionals use assessment and sales data
- Investors and developers conduct due diligence through public records
Public Interest:
- Tax assessment transparency supports community trust in government
- Journalists and researchers use property records for investigative purposes
- Genealogists and historians rely on deed records for historical research
- Community planning and land use decisions are informed by property data
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership names
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens, encumbrances, and easements
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under Ohio law. Individuals in certain protected categories — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Ohio's Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access Perry County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners reviewing their own records, investors, genealogists, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Public property records may be used for real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance, investment analysis, and market research. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases. Such uses are legally permissible, though anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern how information may be used.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Perry County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Perry County Recorder's Office and Perry County Auditor's Office at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. Current fees are established pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 317.32, which governs the fee schedule for the county recorder.
Perry County Recorder – Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of recorded document | $1.00 per page |
| Non-certified copy of recorded document | $0.10 per page (standard) |
| Recording a deed or mortgage (first two pages) | $34.00 |
| Each additional page | $8.00 |
| Transfer tax (conveyance fee) | $4.00 per $1,000 of sale price |
Perry County Auditor – Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Property record printout | No charge (online) |
| Certified property record copy | Varies; contact office |
| GIS data or map prints | Varies by format |
Key Notes on Fees:
- Online inspection of property records through the Auditor's portal is free of charge with no registration required
- Online inspection of indexed Recorder documents may be available at no cost; document image retrieval fees may apply depending on the access system in use
- Certified copies carry a higher fee than non-certified copies and bear the official seal of the recording office
- Payment methods accepted at the Recorder's and Auditor's offices include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the office
- No fee waiver provisions are established under standard Ohio recorder fee statutes for general public requesters; indigent fee waivers are not applicable to property record copy requests in the same manner as court filing fees
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online property search and viewing through the Auditor's portal
- In-person inspection of records at the Recorder's Office
- GIS parcel map viewing online
- Tax payment status and assessment data through the Auditor's online system
What's Included in a Perry County Property Record?
A complete Perry County property record draws from multiple county offices and may include the following categories of information:
Ownership Information:
Current Ownership:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
Previous Ownership:
- Chain of title listing prior owners
- Transfer dates and historical deed references
- Ownership timeline from original conveyance
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds)
- Parcel ID number and tax account number
- Municipality and jurisdiction
Physical Characteristics:
Land Information:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
- Corner lot designation
- Land use designation and zoning classification
Building Information:
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Roof type and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage type and spaces
- Pool, porch, and additional structure information
- Heating, cooling, water source, and sewer system type
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and market/just value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification (if applicable)
Tax Information:
- Current year tax amount and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate and breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural)
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names
- Qualified/unqualified sale designation
- Documentary stamp or conveyance fee amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages (lender name, original amount, recording date)
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special taxing district memberships
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph
- GIS parcel boundary map
- Plat map and property sketch
Building Permit Information (if integrated):
- Permits issued, permit dates, and descriptions
- Contractor information and permit values
- Certificate of occupancy and inspection records
What Is NOT Typically Included in Public Property Records:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted under Ohio law)
- Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Unrecorded agreements or private arrangements
How Long Does Perry County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Perry County are maintained permanently. The legal requirement for permanent retention is grounded in the nature of real property law: every recorded instrument affecting title must remain accessible to establish an unbroken chain of title from the original conveyance to the present owner. Ohio's records retention requirements for county recorders are established under the Ohio Records Commission guidelines and applicable state statutes.
Records Kept Permanently:
Deed Records:
- All recorded deeds are retained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments
- Records date back to Perry County's formation in 1818
- Original land grants and early territorial records are preserved
Mortgage Records:
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently
- Records remain even after the underlying loan has been paid in full
Lien Records:
- All recorded liens and releases of liens are kept permanently, including judgment liens, tax liens, and mechanic's liens
Plats and Surveys:
- All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently
Other Recorded Instruments:
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are all retained permanently
Format and Storage:
| Time Period | Format |
|---|---|
| Pre-1900s | Handwritten ledger books |
| Early–mid 1900s | Typed entries in bound record books |
| Mid-1900s | Microfilm |
| Recent decades | Digital scans and electronic document management |
Access to Historical Records:
- Records from approximately the last 20–40 years are accessible online through the Recorder's index system
- Older records are available in person at the Recorder's Office in book or microfilm format
- Staff can retrieve records from storage; advance notice may be required for very old materials
- Members of the public retain the same access rights to historical records as to current records
Property Appraiser / Auditor Records:
- Current and historical assessment rolls are maintained permanently
- Property cards are permanent records
- Exemption applications are retained for a period determined by the Ohio Records Commission schedule, typically five to seven years
- Recent assessment history (approximately 10–20 years) is accessible online through the Auditor's portal
Tax Records:
- Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years
- Tax deed records are permanent
- Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution
Destruction of Records:
Recorded instruments affecting title are never destroyed. Administrative working files, duplicate copies, and internal correspondence may be destroyed following the applicable retention period established under the Ohio Records Commission county records manual. No recorded deed, mortgage, lien, plat, or other instrument affecting title is subject to destruction.
Contact for Historical Records:
Perry County Recorder's Office
121 South Main Street, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-2045
Perry County Recorder
Perry County Auditor's Office
121 South Main Street, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-2074
Perry County Auditor
How To Find Liens on Property in Perry County?
Liens on property in Perry County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Perry County Recorder's Office. A lien search requires reviewing the grantor/grantee index for any recorded encumbrances against the property owner's name or the specific parcel.
Types of Liens That May Appear on Perry County Property:
- Mortgage liens – Recorded by lenders at the time of loan origination
- Federal tax liens – Filed by the IRS against a taxpayer's property; recorded with the county recorder
- State tax liens – Filed by the Ohio Department of Taxation
- Judgment liens – Arising from court judgments against the property owner, recorded in the county where the property is located
- Mechanic's liens – Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid work or materials
- HOA liens – Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Child support liens – Recorded against a delinquent obligor's real property
Steps to Search for Liens:
-
Search the Perry County Recorder's Index – Access the Recorder's grantor/grantee index, either in person at the Recorder's Office or through the online index if available. Search under the property owner's full legal name as grantor to identify any recorded liens.
-
Search the Perry County Auditor's Portal – The Perry County Auditor's property search may reflect delinquent tax information and special assessments that constitute liens against the property.
-
Search Federal Tax Lien Records – Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are recorded with the county recorder. Members of the public may also search the IRS Centralized Lien Operation for federal lien information.
-
Search Ohio Court Records – Judgment liens arise from court judgments. The Ohio Courts Network provides access to court case information that may identify judgments that have been or could be recorded as liens.
-
Review the Ohio Department of Taxation – State tax liens may be verified through the Ohio Department of Taxation or through the Recorder's index.
-
In-Person Search at the Recorder's Office – For a comprehensive lien search, members of the public may visit the Recorder's Office in person. Staff will direct requesters to the appropriate index, though the office does not perform searches on behalf of the public.
Perry County Recorder's Office
121 South Main Street, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-2045
Perry County Recorder
Professional Lien Searches:
Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A professional title search reviews the full chain of title and all recorded encumbrances, providing a reliable basis for title insurance. Members of the public undertaking significant real estate transactions are advised to engage a licensed title company or attorney for a complete lien search rather than relying solely on self-directed index searches.
Important Notes on Lien Searches:
- A lien search conducted through the Recorder's index reflects only recorded instruments; unrecorded claims are not discoverable through this method
- Federal tax liens may have a brief delay between filing and appearance in the county index
- Mechanic's liens in Ohio are governed by Ohio Revised Code § 1311.06, which establishes the requirements for filing and the priority of mechanic's lien claims
- Lien releases and satisfactions must also be recorded to clear the title; a lien appearing in the index without a corresponding release remains an encumbrance of record
What Is Property Owner Rule in Perry County?
The property owner rule in Perry County refers to the body of Ohio law and local regulations governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Ohio follows the general common law framework for real property ownership, supplemented by state statutes and county-level regulations.
Establishing Property Ownership:
Ownership of real property in Perry County is established through a recorded deed. Under Ohio Revised Code § 5301.25, a deed or other instrument affecting real estate must be recorded with the Perry County Recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded deed may be valid between the parties but does not protect the grantee against a subsequent bona fide purchaser who records first.
Forms of Property Ownership Recognized in Ohio:
- Sole ownership (fee simple) – A single individual holds full ownership rights
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship – Two or more owners hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) automatically acquire the deceased owner's interest
- Tenancy in common – Two or more owners hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death rather than to the co-owners
- Tenancy by the entirety – Available to married couples in Ohio; provides certain protections against individual creditors of one spouse
- Trust ownership – Property held by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Corporate or LLC ownership – Business entities may hold title to real property in Ohio; the entity's formation documents and authority to hold property are governed by Ohio business law
Transfer of Ownership:
Property ownership in Perry County is transferred by recorded deed. Ohio law requires that a deed include a legal description of the property, the names of the grantor and grantee, and the grantor's signature acknowledged before a notary public. The deed must be accompanied by a completed Ohio Real Property Conveyance Fee Statement (DTE 100) and submitted to the County Auditor for transfer before recording with the Recorder.
Property Owner Rights and Obligations in Perry County:
- Property owners have the right to use, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their property subject to applicable zoning, deed restrictions, and state law
- Property owners are obligated to pay real property taxes assessed by the Perry County Auditor and collected by the Perry County Treasurer
- Failure to pay property taxes may result in a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax foreclosure proceeding under Ohio law
- Property owners are subject to local zoning ordinances, building codes, and land use regulations administered by Perry County and applicable municipalities
- Owners of property subject to HOA declarations are bound by the covenants, conditions, and restrictions recorded against the property
Adverse Possession:
Ohio recognizes the doctrine of adverse possession, under which a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely occupies another's property for a period of 21 years may acquire legal title. Adverse possession claims in Ohio are governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2305.04 and must be established through a court proceeding resulting in a judgment that is then recorded with the county recorder.
Perry County Auditor's Office
121 South Main Street, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-2074
Perry County Auditor
Perry County Recorder's Office
121 South Main Street, New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-2045
Perry County Recorder