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Queens County Property Records

What Is Queens County Property Records

Property records in Queens County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout Queens, one of the five boroughs of New York City.

The primary purpose of maintaining property records is to:

  • 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 taxation and assessment

Pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, all conveyances of real property must be recorded in the office of the clerk of the county where such real property is situated. This statutory requirement ensures that all property transactions are properly documented and accessible to the public.

In Queens County, property records are maintained by the New York City Department of Finance, which operates the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS). This system contains property records for Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn dating back to 1966.

New York City Department of Finance - Queens Office
144-06 94th Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11435
(212) 291-2000
NYC Department of Finance

Are Property Records Public Information In Queens County?

Property records in Queens County are public information and accessible to all members of the public under New York State law. The public nature of these records is established by both the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and the New York Real Property Law § 291, which mandates the recording of real property conveyances.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

  • Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
  • Recording statutes require public access to provide notice of property interests
  • Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
  • Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research

Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy supports transparency in government operations and property ownership.

The New York Public Officers Law Article 6 § 84 states: "The legislature hereby finds that a free society is maintained when government is responsive and responsible to the public, and when the public is aware of governmental actions." This principle extends to property records, which document the ownership and interests in real property throughout Queens County.

How To Search Property Records in Queens County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search property records in Queens County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing property records:

Online Search via ACRIS:

  1. Visit the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS)
  2. Select "Search Property Records"
  3. Choose the borough of Queens
  4. Search by one of the following criteria:
    • Document ID
    • Borough, Block and Lot (BBL)
    • Property address
    • Party name
  5. Review search results and select documents to view
  6. Download or print documents as needed

In-Person Search:

  1. Visit the Queens County City Register's Office
  2. Complete a property search request form
  3. Provide identifying information for the property
  4. Staff will assist with accessing records
  5. Pay applicable fees for copies of documents

Queens County City Register's Office
144-06 94th Avenue, 1st Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435
(212) 291-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
NYC Department of Finance

By Mail:

  1. Submit a written request to the Queens County City Register's Office
  2. Include property identifying information
  3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
  4. Include payment for applicable fees
  5. Allow 10-15 business days for processing

Fees for property record searches and copies are established pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 316, which authorizes county clerks to charge reasonable fees for these services.

How To Find Property Records in Queens County Online?

Queens County property records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by New York City agencies. The primary online resources for accessing property records include:

ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System):

  1. Navigate to the ACRIS website
  2. Select "Search Property Records"
  3. Choose Queens as the borough
  4. Enter search criteria (address, owner name, or block and lot number)
  5. Review and select documents from search results
  6. View, download, or print document images

NYC Department of Finance Property Tax System:

  1. Visit the NYC Property Tax System
  2. Select "Property Tax" search option
  3. Enter Queens property address or Borough-Block-Lot (BBL) number
  4. View property tax information, assessment history, and ownership details
  5. Access property tax bills and payment history

NYC Property Assessment Portal:

  1. Access the NYC Property Assessment portal
  2. Search for Queens properties by address or BBL
  3. View current and historical property assessment information
  4. Access property classification and tax class information
  5. Review property valuation details

NYCityMap:

  1. Visit NYCityMap
  2. Enter Queens property address
  3. View property boundaries, zoning information, and building data
  4. Access Building Information Number (BIN) and Borough-Block-Lot (BBL) identifiers
  5. Link to additional property information resources

These online resources provide comprehensive access to property records without requiring in-person visits to government offices. Users should note that while basic searches are free, certain document downloads may incur fees as established by the Department of Finance.

How To Look Up Queens County Property Records for Free?

Queens County residents and other interested parties may access property records at no cost through several channels provided by New York City agencies. The following methods allow for free property record searches:

Free Online Resources:

  1. ACRIS Basic Search: The Automated City Register Information System provides free basic property record searches. While viewing document images is free, printing or downloading may incur fees.

  2. NYC Property Tax Public Access: The NYC Property Tax portal offers free access to property tax information, including ownership details, property class, and assessment values.

  3. ZoLa (Zoning and Land Use Map): The NYC Planning Department's ZoLa tool provides free access to zoning information, land use data, and property identifiers for all Queens properties.

  4. Queens Community Board Zoning Maps: The Queens Community Board 11 website offers free access to zoning maps and property information for areas within its jurisdiction.

Free In-Person Resources:

  1. Queens Public Library - Land Records Division:
    89-11 Merrick Boulevard
    Jamaica, NY 11432
    (718) 990-0700
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Queens Public Library

    The library provides free public access to computers for searching online property records and staff assistance with navigating property record systems.

  2. Queens Borough President's Office - Topographical Bureau:
    120-55 Queens Boulevard
    Kew Gardens, NY 11424
    (718) 286-2680
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Queens Borough President

    The Topographical Bureau maintains maps and property information that can be accessed by the public at no charge.

Pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 87, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records but must provide access for inspection at no cost. This statutory provision ensures that the public can access property records without financial barriers.

What's Included in a Queens County Property Record?

Property records in Queens County contain comprehensive information about real property, which is distinguished from personal property under New York law. Real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, while personal property includes movable items. The following information is typically included in Queens County property records:

Deed Records:

  • Names of grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer)
  • Legal description of the property
  • Date of property transfer
  • Sale price or consideration amount
  • Deed type (warranty, quitclaim, etc.)
  • Notarized signatures
  • Recording information (date, time, book, page)

Mortgage Records:

  • Names of borrower and lender
  • Loan amount and terms
  • Legal description of the property
  • Maturity date
  • Interest rate
  • Repayment conditions
  • Recording information

Tax Records:

  • Property assessment values
  • Tax classification
  • Tax rates applied
  • Payment history
  • Exemptions or abatements
  • Market value estimates
  • Assessed value for tax purposes

Property Identification Information:

  • Borough-Block-Lot (BBL) number
  • Building Identification Number (BIN)
  • Street address
  • Tax map reference
  • Lot dimensions and square footage
  • Zoning classification

Additional Documents:

  • Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
  • Easements and rights-of-way
  • Covenants and restrictions
  • Condominium or cooperative declarations
  • Power of attorney documents
  • Satisfaction of mortgage
  • Foreclosure notices

These records are maintained pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 316, which establishes requirements for recording and indexing property documents. The law mandates that county recording offices maintain accurate and accessible records of all property transactions.

Property records in Queens County are maintained by multiple offices, including the Department of Finance, the Department of Buildings, and the Department of City Planning, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.

How Long Does Queens County Keep Property Records?

Queens County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by New York State law and local regulations. The retention periods vary based on document type and significance:

Permanent Retention:

  • Deed records
  • Mortgage and satisfaction documents
  • Easements and rights-of-way
  • Subdivision plats and maps
  • Condominium declarations
  • Tax maps
  • Original land patents and grants

Long-Term Retention (20+ years):

  • Property tax assessment rolls (20 years)
  • Building permits for completed structures (permanent)
  • Certificates of occupancy (permanent)
  • Zoning variance records (permanent)
  • Property tax payment records (20 years)

Medium-Term Retention (7-19 years):

  • Building inspection reports (10 years)
  • Temporary easements (10 years after expiration)
  • Construction permits (10 years)
  • Property tax exemption applications (10 years)

Short-Term Retention (less than 7 years):

  • Routine correspondence (5 years)
  • Property record search requests (3 years)
  • Temporary permits (3 years after expiration)

These retention periods are established pursuant to the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25, which authorizes the State Archives to establish records retention schedules for local governments. The MU-1 Records Retention and Disposition Schedule specifically governs records retention for municipalities, including Queens County.

The New York City Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) maintains historical property records that exceed their retention periods, ensuring that valuable historical information remains accessible to researchers and the public.

NYC Department of Records and Information Services
31 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
(212) 788-8590
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
NYC Department of Records

How To Find Liens on Property In Queens County?

Identifying liens on Queens County properties requires searching multiple official records systems. Liens are legal claims against property that serve as security for debt payment or other obligations. The following procedures enable effective lien searches:

Tax Liens:

  1. Access the NYC Department of Finance Property Tax System
  2. Enter the property address or Borough-Block-Lot (BBL) number
  3. Review the "Tax Liens" section of the property record
  4. Check for outstanding property tax amounts and tax lien sales
  5. Verify water and sewer charges, which may also become liens

Mechanic's Liens:

  1. Search the ACRIS system for the property
  2. Select "Document Type" search option
  3. Choose "Mechanic's Lien" from the document type menu
  4. Enter the property information
  5. Review any recorded mechanic's liens

Judgment Liens:

  1. Contact the Queens County Clerk's Office
  2. Request a judgment lien search against the property owner's name
  3. Review results for any judgments that have been recorded against the property

Queens County Clerk's Office
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
(718) 298-0601
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Queens County Clerk

Federal Tax Liens:

  1. Search the ACRIS system
  2. Select "Document Type" search
  3. Choose "Federal Tax Lien" from the document type menu
  4. Enter the property information
  5. Review any recorded federal tax liens

Environmental Liens:

  1. Contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
  2. Request an environmental lien search for the specific property
  3. Review results for any environmental liens or restrictions

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation - Region 2 Office
47-40 21st Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 482-4900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Pursuant to New York Lien Law § 10, liens must be properly filed with the appropriate county office to be valid and enforceable. This statutory requirement ensures that all legitimate liens are recorded and accessible through official records.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Queens County?

The Property Owner Rule in Queens County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership, use, and transfer within the county. These rules are established by New York State law, New York City ordinances, and local regulations specific to Queens County.

Ownership Recording Requirements:

Pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, all property conveyances must be recorded with the appropriate county office to provide constructive notice to the public. In Queens County, this recording function is performed by the City Register's Office under the Department of Finance. The law states:

"A conveyance of real property, within the state, on being duly acknowledged by the person executing the same, or proved as required by this chapter, and such acknowledgment or proof duly certified when required by this chapter, may be recorded in the office of the clerk of the county where such real property is situated."

Property Ownership Types:

Queens County recognizes several forms of property ownership:

  1. Fee Simple Ownership: The most complete form of ownership, granting the owner full rights to use, possess, and dispose of the property.

  2. Joint Tenancy: Ownership by two or more persons with right of survivorship, meaning that if one owner dies, their interest automatically transfers to the surviving owner(s).

  3. Tenancy in Common: Ownership by two or more persons without right of survivorship, allowing each owner to dispose of their share independently.

  4. Condominium Ownership: Ownership of an individual unit within a larger building or complex, with shared ownership of common areas.

  5. Cooperative Ownership: Ownership of shares in a corporation that owns the building, with a proprietary lease granting the right to occupy a specific unit.

Zoning and Land Use Regulations:

Property owners in Queens County must comply with New York City Zoning Resolutions that regulate:

  • Permitted uses of property
  • Building height and setback requirements
  • Lot coverage and floor area ratios
  • Parking requirements
  • Special district regulations

The ZoLa (Zoning and Land Use) tool provides detailed information about zoning regulations applicable to specific properties in Queens County.

Property Tax Obligations:

Property owners in Queens County are subject to New York City property taxes, which are administered by the Department of Finance. The property tax system classifies properties into four tax classes, each with different assessment ratios and tax rates:

  • Class 1: Most residential property of up to three units
  • Class 2: Residential property with more than three units
  • Class 3: Utility company equipment and special franchise property
  • Class 4: Commercial and industrial property

Property owners must pay taxes based on the assessed value of their property, which is determined annually by the Department of Finance.

Lookup Property Records in Queens County

Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS)

NYC Property Tax System

NYC Department of Finance Property Tax Information

NYC Property Assessment Portal

ZoLa - NYC Zoning & Land Use Map

NYC Planning Zoning Maps

NYC Zoning Resolution

Queens Community Board 11 Zoning & Maps

NYCityMap - Official Digital Map of New York City

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