Prince George's County Property Records
What Is Prince George's County Property Records
Property records in Prince George's County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout the jurisdiction. The Maryland Land Records Act, codified under Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-101, establishes the legal framework for recording property documents in the state.
Property records in Prince George's County fulfill several essential functions:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitate real estate transactions
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Enable land use planning and zoning enforcement
The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation maintains the primary database of property records for Prince George's County, working in conjunction with county offices to ensure accurate and accessible information. These records form the foundation of real estate ownership in the county, providing legal certainty for property owners, potential buyers, lenders, and government agencies.
Are Property Records Public Information In Prince George's County?
Property records in Prince George's County are public information, accessible to any member of the public without restriction. This public access is mandated by both state and federal law. The Maryland Public Information Act, codified under Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-101 et seq., establishes the legal right of citizens to access government records, including property records.
The public nature of property records serves several important purposes:
- Transparency in land ownership promotes public confidence in property rights
- Public recording provides constructive notice of ownership interests
- Open access facilitates real estate transactions and property development
- Public scrutiny helps prevent fraud and improper claims
- Government accountability in property tax assessment and collection
Any individual may access Prince George's County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This unrestricted access reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in the United States legal system.
Prince George's County Circuit Court Land Records Department
14735 Main Street, Room D1002
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3330
Prince George's County Circuit Court
How To Search Property Records in Prince George's County in 2026
Members of the public seeking property records in Prince George's County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains comprehensive systems for both online and in-person searches.
To search property records in Prince George's County:
-
Determine the specific information needed (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
-
Gather identifying information about the property:
- Property address
- Tax account number
- Owner name
- Subdivision name
- Liber and folio numbers (if known)
-
Select the appropriate search method:
- Online through the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation Real Property Database
- In person at the Prince George's County Circuit Court Land Records Department
- By mail request to the appropriate county office
-
For online searches:
- Navigate to the SDAT Real Property Database
- Select Prince George's County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (address, account number, or owner name)
- Review search results and select the property of interest
- Access available property record information
-
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Land Records Department during business hours
- Complete a search request form
- Provide identification if required
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents
Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-301, all instruments recorded in the land records are indexed to facilitate public access. The county maintains these indices in electronic format, allowing for efficient searching by property address, owner name, or legal description.
How To Find Property Records in Prince George's County Online?
Prince George's County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several official databases. These digital resources allow for convenient searching of property information without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources for Prince George's County property records include:
-
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Real Property Database
- Access the SDAT Real Property Search portal
- Select Prince George's County (code 17) from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by street address, account number, or owner name
- View assessment information, ownership details, and property characteristics
-
Prince George's County Land Records
- Visit the Maryland Land Records website
- Create a free account if you don't already have one
- Select Prince George's County from the jurisdiction list
- Search by name, property address, or document reference
- Access digital images of recorded documents
-
Prince George's County Property Tax Inquiry System
- Navigate to the PG County Property Tax Inquiry portal
- Search by address, account number, or owner name
- View tax assessment information, payment history, and tax bills
-
Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- Access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system
- Search for property-related court cases by name or case number
- Review case information for foreclosures, property disputes, and other legal matters
When using these online systems, users should note that while basic property information is available without charge, some detailed documents may require payment of nominal fees for access or copies, as authorized under Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-206.
How To Look Up Prince George's County Property Records for Free?
Prince George's County residents and other interested parties can access many property records at no cost through several official channels. The county and state maintain free public access options in compliance with Maryland's open records laws.
Free methods to access Prince George's County property records include:
-
Online through the SDAT Real Property Database
- The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation provides free access to basic property information
- Search by address, account number, or owner name
- View assessment values, ownership information, and property details
- Access information about Prince George's County reassessment areas
-
In-person at the Circuit Court Land Records Department
- Visit the public terminals at the courthouse during regular business hours
- Self-service searching is available at no charge
- Staff assistance is provided for basic inquiries
-
Prince George's County Public Libraries
- Selected branch libraries offer free access to property databases
- Library staff can provide basic assistance with searches
- Internet access is available for online property record searches
-
Maryland Land Records Website
- Create a free account on mdlandrec.net
- Access digital images of recorded documents
- Search by name, property address, or document reference
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for certified copies, extensive research assistance, or large volume requests. According to Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-206, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records, but not for the right to inspect records.
Prince George's County Assessment Office
14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Room 1090
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-2500
Maryland Assessment Offices
What's Included in a Prince George's County Property Record?
Property records in Prince George's County contain comprehensive information about real property within the jurisdiction. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with different county offices maintaining specific types of records.
A complete Prince George's County property record typically includes:
-
Ownership Information
- Current owner name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
-
Property Identification
- Tax account number
- Legal description
- Property address
- Subdivision name and lot number
- Plat references
- Parcel identification number
-
Physical Characteristics
- Land area (acreage or square footage)
- Building size and dimensions
- Year built
- Construction type and materials
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Amenities and improvements
-
Valuation and Tax Information
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Tax rate and annual tax amount
- Payment history
- Tax exemptions or credits
- Property tax billing information
-
Legal Instruments
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special)
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and restrictions
- Foreclosure notices
-
Plats and Surveys
- Boundary surveys
- Subdivision plats
- Condominium plats
- Easement exhibits
- Land plats and records
These records are maintained pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-104, which establishes requirements for recording instruments affecting title to property. The comprehensive nature of these records ensures transparency in property ownership and facilitates real estate transactions throughout the county.
How Long Does Prince George's County Keep Property Records?
Prince George's County maintains property records permanently in accordance with Maryland state law and records retention schedules. The permanent preservation of these records ensures the continuity of property ownership information and protects the interests of property owners, lenders, and the public.
The retention periods for various property-related documents are as follows:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: Permanent retention
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Tax Assessment Records: Permanent retention of final assessments
- Building Permits: Minimum 7 years after issuance; permanent for significant structures
- Property Tax Payment Records: 7 years after payment
- Zoning Decisions: Permanent retention
- Easements and Rights-of-Way: Permanent retention
- Liens and Judgments: Until satisfied plus 7 years
The Maryland State Archives, in cooperation with county offices, maintains the permanent archive of land records dating back to the county's formation. These records are preserved through both physical and digital means to ensure their long-term accessibility.
The permanent retention of property records is mandated by the Maryland State Archives Records Management Division under authority granted by Maryland Code, State Government § 9-1008. This ensures that the legal chain of title for all properties can be traced throughout the county's history.
How To Find Liens on Property In Prince George's County?
Liens on property in Prince George's County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred free and clear.
To find liens on property in Prince George's County:
-
Search Circuit Court Land Records
- Visit the Maryland Land Records website
- Create a free account if needed
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review documents for liens, including:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Homeowners association liens
- Child support liens
-
Check with the Prince George's County Office of Finance
- Contact the Tax Administration Division
- Request information about outstanding property tax liens
- Verify if the property is subject to tax sale
-
Search Maryland Judiciary Case Records
- Access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- Search by property owner name
- Review civil judgments that may constitute liens on property
-
Request a Title Search or Lien Certificate
- Engage a title company to perform a professional search
- Request a lien certificate from the county finance office
- Obtain a comprehensive report of all recorded liens
-
Check Federal Tax Liens
- Search federal tax liens at the Circuit Court
- These are recorded in a separate index from other liens
- Federal tax liens attach to all property owned by the taxpayer
Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-104, liens must be properly recorded to be effective against subsequent purchasers. The recording provides constructive notice of the encumbrance to all parties. Interested persons may obtain copies of lien documents for a nominal fee as established by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Prince George's County?
The Property Owner Rule in Prince George's County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the jurisdiction. These rules are established through a combination of state law, county ordinances, and judicial precedents.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule in Prince George's County include:
-
Recording Requirements
- All instruments affecting title must be recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Maryland follows a "race-notice" recording statute under Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-203
- Documents must be properly executed, acknowledged, and in recordable form
- Electronic recording is permitted under the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act
-
Ownership Forms
- Fee simple ownership (complete ownership)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Tenancy by the entirety (married couples only)
- Life estates
- Condominium and cooperative ownership
-
Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners are responsible for timely payment of property taxes
- Tax bills are issued annually by the Prince George's County Office of Finance
- Failure to pay taxes may result in tax sale proceedings
- Tax appeals must be filed within specific timeframes
-
Transfer Disclosure Requirements
- Sellers must provide property condition disclosures to buyers
- Certain material defects must be disclosed regardless of disclosure form
- Lead-based paint disclosures required for pre-1978 housing
- Residential property disclosure requirements under Maryland Code, Real Property § 10-702
-
Zoning and Land Use Compliance
- Property owners must comply with zoning regulations
- Building permits required for significant improvements
- Historic district restrictions may apply in designated areas
- Subdivision regulations govern property division
The Property Owner Rule establishes the framework for real estate ownership and transactions in Prince George's County, providing legal certainty and protecting the interests of property owners and the public. Property owners should consult with legal professionals regarding specific questions about their property rights and obligations.
Lookup Property Records in Prince George's County
Maryland Real Property Database
Prince George's County Property Tax Inquiry System
Property Information Search Tool
Finding Property Information Online Guide
Maryland Assessment Offices Directory
Prince George's County Reassessment Areas
Local Tax Billing and Collection Offices
Maryland Land Records Information
Prince George's County Courts Directory