Richmond County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Richmond County in 2026
RichmondCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to property records in Richmond County, New York — the county coextensive with Staten Island. Members of the public may find ownership histories, recorded deeds, tax assessment data, mortgage filings, lien notices, and related encumbrance documents. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the age of the document and the digitization status of the originating agency.
Records may be searched through the following official resources:
- NYC Department of Finance — property tax bills, assessments, and valuation data
- ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System) — recorded deeds, mortgages, and other instruments
- Richmond County Clerk — property documents recorded in Staten Island
- NYC Department of City Planning — zoning maps and land use designations
Multiple Access Methods
Members of the public may obtain property records through four primary channels:
- Online searches — the most convenient method, available at no cost through official city portals
- In-person visits — required for certified copies and documents not yet digitized
- By mail — written requests submitted to the appropriate office with applicable fees
- Through professionals — title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers
Online Search Methods
1. ACRIS — Recorded Document Search
The Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) serves as the primary online portal for searching recorded property documents in Richmond County. Members of the public may access ACRIS at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By grantor (seller) or grantee (buyer) name
- By property address (borough, block, and lot)
- By document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- By recording date range
- By document ID or reel and page number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens and judgment liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Lis pendens filings
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Condominium declarations and HOA documents
How to Search ACRIS:
- Navigate to the ACRIS property search portal
- Select "Search Property Records" from the main menu
- Enter the borough (Staten Island), block number, and lot number, or search by party name
- Review the results list and select the relevant document
- View the document image online or note the document ID for in-person retrieval
- Download or print available document images
2. NYC Finance Property Information Portal
The NYC Department of Finance maintains a property information search tool that provides assessment and ownership data for all New York City parcels, including those in Richmond County.
Search By:
- Property address
- Borough, block, and lot (BBL) number
- Owner name
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Property class and characteristics
- Tax bill status and payment history
How to Search:
- Access the NYC Finance property information portal
- Select the search method (address, BBL, or owner name)
- Enter the required information and submit
- Review the property summary page
- Navigate to linked pages for tax bills, assessments, or recorded documents
3. Property Tax Bills and Payments
The NYC Department of Finance publishes property tax bills and payment records online. Members of the public may view current and prior tax bills, confirm payment status, and review the breakdown of charges by taxing authority.
Information Available:
- Current annual and quarterly tax bills
- Outstanding balances and due dates
- Payment history
- Exemptions applied and taxable value
- Millage rates by taxing district
4. NYC Department of City Planning — Zoning and Land Use
The NYC Department of City Planning maintains zoning maps, land use designations, and the Zoning Resolution applicable to all five boroughs, including Staten Island. Members of the public may use the Zoning Data Explorers to search zoning classifications, permitted uses, and proposed land use changes for specific parcels.
In-Person Searches
Richmond County Clerk
130 Stuyvesant Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-7700
Richmond County Clerk — NYC311
The Richmond County Clerk maintains official property records for Staten Island. As noted on the NYC Finance website, members of the public must "[v]isit the Richmond County Clerk to record property documents in Staten Island." In-person visitors may inspect recorded instruments, request certified copies, and access the grantor/grantee index. Public access terminals are available during business hours.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
NYC Department of Finance — Staten Island Business Center
350 St. Marks Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (212) 504-4080
NYC Department of Finance — Property Taxes
Staff at this location assist members of the public with property assessment inquiries, tax bill questions, and exemption applications. The office provides access to property valuation data and assessment records for Richmond County parcels.
By Mail Requests
Richmond County Clerk — Mail Requests
130 Stuyvesant Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
Written requests for copies of recorded documents should include the document type, recording date or approximate date range, grantor and grantee names or property address, and the applicable fee. Certified copies require an additional certification fee. Requestors should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence.
Through Professionals
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership or encumbrance issues. Licensed appraisers access property records as part of valuation assignments. Costs for professional services vary by scope and provider.
Search Tips
- When searching by address, use the complete street address and verify the borough designation (Staten Island)
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and consider spelling variations
- For older properties, the block and lot number provides the most reliable search identifier
- Documents recorded very recently may not yet appear in online systems due to processing delays
- Staff at the Richmond County Clerk's office can assist with historical research and records not available online
What Is Richmond County Property Record
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county and city government agencies. In Richmond County, these records constitute the legal foundation for establishing ownership, recording encumbrances, and assessing property taxes. They are maintained permanently and are accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose or special authorization.
Types of Property Records
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and trustee's deeds
- Chain of title documents tracing ownership from original grant to present
- Life estate deeds and trust instruments affecting title
- Transfer-on-death designations
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants and declarations
- Lis pendens filings (notice of pending litigation)
- HOA liens and declarations
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Annual property tax assessments
- Tax bills and payment histories
- Exemption applications and approvals (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments and district charges
- Delinquency records and tax lien sales
Legal Descriptions and Plats:
- Subdivision plat maps
- Condominium declarations and floor plans
- Survey plats and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Block and lot designations
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning determinations and variances
- Code enforcement actions
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records in Richmond County
Property records in Richmond County are maintained across several agencies:
- Richmond County Clerk — records and indexes all instruments affecting title, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements, pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, which establishes the recording system and the principle of constructive notice
- NYC Department of Finance — maintains assessment rolls, property tax bills, and valuation data for all Richmond County parcels, as administered under New York Real Property Tax Law § 300 et seq.
- NYC Department of City Planning — maintains zoning maps, land use records, and the Zoning Resolution
- NYC Department of Buildings — maintains building permits, certificates of occupancy, and inspection records
As the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance explains, "[a]ssessors are local government officials who estimate the value of real property within a county, city, town, or village's boundaries," and their records form the basis for property tax assessments throughout the state.
Are Property Records Public Information in Richmond County?
Property records in Richmond County are public information. Under New York Public Officers Law § 87, government agencies are required to make records available for public inspection and copying. The recording system established under New York Real Property Law § 291 is premised on the principle of constructive notice — that recorded instruments are deemed known to all members of the public — which requires that such records remain openly accessible.
Legal Basis for Public Access
- New York Public Officers Law § 87 (Freedom of Information Law) mandates public access to government records
- New York Real Property Law § 291 establishes that recorded instruments provide constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers
- The common law tradition of public land records, dating to colonial-era practice in New York, supports open access to title documents
- No stated purpose, residency, or ownership interest is required to inspect or copy property records
Why Property Records Are Public
Property records serve multiple public interests that justify open access:
- Transparency in ownership — the public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property within a jurisdiction
- Fraud prevention — open recording systems deter fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances
- Real estate market function — title searches, title insurance, and mortgage lending depend on publicly accessible records
- Tax accountability — assessment and tax payment records enable public scrutiny of the property tax system
- Historical and genealogical research — property records document community history and family land ownership across generations
What Property Information Is Publicly Accessible
The following categories of information are freely accessible to any member of the public:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identifiers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens, encumbrances, and easements
- Tax assessments and payment histories
- Property characteristics (size, year built, building type)
- Plat maps and subdivision records
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 state and federal 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 New York law. Exemption applications submitted to the NYC Department of Finance may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure.
Who May Access Property Records
Any person may inspect and copy property records in Richmond County, including:
- Prospective buyers and sellers
- Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers
- Title companies and mortgage lenders
- Attorneys and legal researchers
- Journalists and investigative reporters
- Genealogists and historians
- Out-of-state and foreign nationals
- Members of the general public with no stated interest
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Richmond County?
Members of the public may inspect property records online at no cost through ACRIS and the NYC Finance property information portal. Fees apply when requesting certified copies or paper reproductions of recorded instruments.
Current Fee Schedule — Richmond County Clerk
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of recorded instrument | $4.00 per page (first page) + $1.00 each additional page |
| Plain (uncertified) copy | $1.00 per page |
| Search fee (clerk-conducted) | Varies by scope |
| Recording a deed or mortgage | $45.00 base fee + per-page charges |
| ACRIS online document viewing | Free |
| NYC Finance property data (online) | Free |
Recording fees in New York are governed by New York Real Property Law § 333 and related provisions, which establish the requirements for recording instruments and the associated fee structures. The NYC Department of Finance notes that "[i]n New York City, property tax" revenues fund essential city services, and the assessment and billing records supporting those taxes are available to the public without charge through the city's online portals.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash (in-person at the Richmond County Clerk's office)
- Money order or certified check (for mail requests)
- Credit and debit cards (accepted at the Staten Island Business Center)
Free Access
The following services are available at no cost:
- Online viewing of recorded document images through ACRIS
- Property assessment and ownership data through the NYC Finance portal
- Property tax bill viewing and payment history through the NYC Finance website
- Zoning and land use information through the NYC Department of City Planning
- In-person inspection of records at the Richmond County Clerk's office (no copying fee for inspection only)
No fee waiver provisions are currently established for standard property record requests in New York City. Agencies conducting official government business may be exempt from certain fees under applicable administrative rules.
What's Included in a Richmond County Property Record?
A complete property record in Richmond County encompasses information maintained across multiple agencies. The following describes the full scope of data available to members of the public.
Ownership Information
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners as reflected in the most recently recorded deed. Ownership types recognized under New York law include individual ownership, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, tenancy by the entirety (available to married couples), trust ownership, and ownership by a legal entity such as an LLC or corporation. Each ownership record includes the acquisition date, the deed instrument number, and the grantor's name. Historical ownership data — the chain of title — traces every transfer from the current owner back through prior conveyances.
Property Identification
Each parcel in Richmond County is identified by a Borough-Block-Lot (BBL) number, which serves as the primary identifier across all city agency databases. Records also include the physical site address, the mailing address for tax purposes, and the legal description referencing the applicable subdivision plat, lot and block numbers, and any condominium unit designation.
Physical Characteristics
Assessment records maintained by the NYC Department of Finance include:
- Lot size (square feet or acres) and dimensions
- Total building square footage and living area
- Year built and effective year of construction
- Number of stories, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Building class and construction type
- Exterior wall material and roof type
- Presence of garage, pool, or accessory structures
- Water and sewer service type
Valuation and Assessment Information
The NYC Department of Finance assesses all properties annually. Assessment records include the land value, improvement value, total assessed value, and the transitional assessed value used for tax calculation purposes. Historical assessed values are available for prior tax years. As the NYC Finance property assessments and valuations contact page confirms, members of the public may direct assessment inquiries to the Staten Island office.
Tax Information
Property tax records include the current annual tax bill, the breakdown of charges by taxing authority (city, school, and special districts), exemptions applied, the taxable value after exemptions, payment history, and any outstanding delinquencies. The NYC Department of Finance publishes property tax bills and payment information online for all Richmond County parcels.
Sales History
Recorded deed instruments reflect each arm's-length sale and non-market transfer, including the sale date, consideration amount, grantor and grantee names, deed type, and the instrument number. Documentary transfer tax amounts are also reflected in recorded instruments.
Encumbrances and Liens
Recorded encumbrances include mortgages (with original loan amounts and lender names), satisfactions and releases, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, federal and state tax liens, easements, restrictive covenants, lis pendens filings, and HOA declarations. All such instruments are indexed in ACRIS and available for public inspection.
Zoning and Land Use
Zoning classifications, permitted uses, and future land use designations are maintained by the NYC Department of City Planning and accessible through the department's online Zoning Data Explorers. Special district designations, flood zone information (FEMA), and environmental constraints may also be reflected in planning records.
What Is Not Typically Included
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs
- Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all recorded documents)
- Confidential financial details from exemption applications
How Long Does Richmond County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Richmond County are maintained permanently. The recording system established under New York Real Property Law § 291 requires that all instruments affecting title be preserved as part of the permanent public record. No recorded deed, mortgage, lien, easement, or other instrument affecting title is subject to destruction or expiration.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention
New York's records retention requirements for county clerks mandate permanent preservation of all recorded instruments. The New York State Archives publishes records retention schedules applicable to local government agencies, which confirm that deeds, mortgages, and related instruments are retained permanently. The chain of title — the unbroken sequence of ownership from original grant to present — depends on the permanent availability of every recorded instrument in that sequence.
Records Kept Permanently
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, executor's)
- All recorded mortgages, assignments, and satisfactions
- All recorded liens and releases
- Subdivision plats and condominium declarations
- Easements and restrictive covenants
- Lis pendens filings and court-ordered instruments
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Any instrument recorded in the official records
Format and Storage
Historical records in Richmond County exist in multiple formats depending on the period of recording:
- Pre-20th century records — handwritten ledger books, maintained in climate-controlled vault storage at the Richmond County Clerk's office
- Early-to-mid 20th century — typed instruments recorded in bound books, with microfilm copies for preservation
- Late 20th century onward — scanned digital images accessible through ACRIS
- Current recordings — fully digital, with electronic document management and off-site backup
Online Availability by Time Period
| Period | Online Access | In-Person Access |
|---|---|---|
| Recent (approx. last 30+ years) | Available through ACRIS | Available |
| Moderate age (30–60 years) | Partial; varies by document | Available (microfilm or books) |
| Historical (60–100 years) | Limited | Available with staff assistance |
| Very old (100+ years) | Not available online | Available; advance notice recommended |
Assessment and Tax Records
The NYC Department of Finance retains current and historical assessment rolls permanently as part of the official property tax record. Online access to historical assessed values is available for recent tax years through the NYC Finance portal. Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years, with permanent retention for tax deed proceedings.
Accessing Historical Records
Members of the public seeking records not available through ACRIS should contact the Richmond County Clerk directly. Staff can retrieve instruments from bound books, microfilm archives, or digital storage. Very old records may require advance notice to allow for retrieval from archive storage. The same public access rights and fee schedule apply to historical records as to current documents.
Richmond County Clerk
130 Stuyvesant Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-7700
Richmond County Clerk — NYC311
How To Find Liens on Property in Richmond County?
Liens on property in Richmond County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record accessible through ACRIS and the Richmond County Clerk's office. A lien search identifies all recorded claims against a property, including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens.
Step-by-Step Lien Search Process
Online Search via ACRIS:
- Navigate to the ACRIS recorded document search
- Select "Search Property Records" and enter the property's borough, block, and lot number
- Filter results by document type — select lien-related categories including "Tax Lien," "Mechanic's Lien," "Judgment," and "Lis Pendens"
- Review all results for the subject parcel, noting recording dates and amounts
- Click on individual documents to view the full instrument image
- Check for corresponding releases or satisfactions for each lien identified
Document Types to Search:
| Lien Type | ACRIS Document Category |
|---|---|
| Federal tax lien | Tax Lien — Federal |
| State/city tax lien | Tax Lien — State/City |
| Mechanic's lien | Mechanic's Lien |
| Judgment lien | Judgment |
| Lis pendens | Lis Pendens |
| HOA lien | UCC or Declaration |
| Mortgage (as encumbrance) | Mortgage |
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Richmond County Clerk's office. Staff can assist with searches of the grantor/grantee index and the property index. Certified lien search reports are available for a fee and are accepted by title companies and lenders as evidence of recorded encumbrances.
Richmond County Clerk
130 Stuyvesant Place
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-7700
Richmond County Clerk — NYC311
Federal Tax Liens
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Richmond County Clerk pursuant to applicable federal and state law. These liens appear in ACRIS under the tax lien document category and are searchable by the taxpayer's name. A federal tax lien attaches to all real and personal property owned by the taxpayer at the time of filing and to property acquired thereafter.
NYC Department of Finance Tax Liens
The NYC Department of Finance may place tax liens on properties with delinquent property taxes. Information on outstanding city tax liens is available through the NYC Finance property tax portal. Delinquent tax lien sales are conducted periodically, and lien sale lists are published by the Department of Finance prior to each sale.
Professional Lien Searches
Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A title search report identifies all recorded liens, their amounts, recording dates, and lienholders. Title insurance commitments reflect all liens that must be satisfied prior to or at closing. Members of the public undertaking significant real estate transactions are advised to obtain a professional title search to ensure completeness.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Richmond County?
The property owner rule in Richmond County refers to the body of New York law governing who may own real property, the forms of ownership recognized, and the rights and obligations that attach to property ownership. New York does not impose residency requirements or citizenship restrictions on real property ownership; any individual, trust, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity may hold title to real property in Richmond County.
Forms of Ownership Recognized Under New York Law
New York Real Property Law recognizes the following forms of co-ownership:
- Tenancy in common — two or more owners each hold an undivided fractional interest; interests may be unequal and are freely transferable and devisable
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — two or more owners hold equal undivided interests; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) take the deceased's interest by operation of law, outside of probate
- Tenancy by the entirety — available exclusively to married couples in New York; neither spouse may convey or encumber the property without the other's consent, and the survivor takes the whole upon the other's death
- Trust ownership — a trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries; common in estate planning
- Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities may hold title; ownership is reflected in the entity's name on the deed
Recording Requirements
Under New York Real Property Law § 291, a conveyance of real property is not effective against subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers in good faith and for value unless the instrument is recorded with the county clerk of the county in which the property is located. This recording requirement protects subsequent purchasers by providing constructive notice of all prior recorded interests. As the NYC Finance website confirms, property documents in Staten Island must be recorded with the Richmond County Clerk.
Transfer Tax Obligations
Property transfers in New York City are subject to the New York City Real Property Transfer Tax and the New York State Real Estate Transfer Tax. The city transfer tax rate is 1% of the consideration for residential properties sold for $500,000 or less, and 1.425% for residential properties sold for more than $500,000. Commercial properties are taxed at 1.425% up to $500,000 and 2.625% above that threshold. The state transfer tax is currently $2.00 per $500 of consideration. These taxes are reported and paid at the time of recording.
Property Tax Assessment and the Owner's Rights
Property owners in Richmond County have the right to challenge their property's assessed value through the NYC Tax Commission. The annual deadline for filing a tax assessment appeal (Application for Correction of Assessed Value) is March 1 for most property classes. The NYC Department of Finance publishes property assessment and valuation contact information for Richmond County property owners seeking to dispute their assessments. According to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, assessors "estimate the value of real property within a county, city, town, or village's boundaries," and property owners retain the right to contest those estimates through established administrative and judicial channels.
Exemptions Available to Property Owners
Qualifying property owners in Richmond County may apply for the following exemptions, which reduce the taxable assessed value of their property:
- Basic STAR (School Tax Relief) — available to owner-occupants of primary residences
- Enhanced STAR — available to senior homeowners meeting income requirements
- Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption — reduces assessed value for qualifying seniors
- Disability Exemption — available to owners with qualifying disabilities
- Veterans Exemption — available to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses
- Clergy Exemption — available to qualifying religious leaders
Applications for exemptions are submitted to the NYC Department of Finance and must be filed by the applicable annual deadline.
Lookup Property Records in Richmond County
- Property taxes in New York City
- Property assessors in New York State
- Richmond County property assessment and valuation contacts
- ACRIS recorded document search
- NYC Finance real property information portal
- Property tax bills and payment history
- Richmond County Clerk services
- Recording property documents in Staten Island
- NYC Department of City Planning — zoning and land use