Garrett County Property Records
What Is Garrett County Property Records
Garrett County property records are official documents that contain information about real estate properties within Garrett County, Maryland. These records include details about property ownership, tax assessments, property boundaries, and transaction history. They are maintained by the Garrett County Assessment Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to provide an official record of property ownership and characteristics.
Are Property Records Public Information In Garrett County?
Yes, property records in Garrett County are public information. Under Maryland's Public Information Act, citizens have the right to access and review these records. This transparency allows potential buyers, real estate professionals, researchers, and the general public to access information about property ownership, values, and transactions throughout the county.
How To Search Property Records in Garrett County in 2025
To search property records in Garrett County in 2025, you can:
- Visit the Garrett County Assessment Office in person at 203 South Fourth Street, Room 104, Oakland, MD 21550
- Access the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Real Property Search online
- Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550
- Use the Maryland Land Records online system for deed information
- Request assistance from the Garrett County Planning and Land Management office at 203 South Fourth Street, Room 208, Oakland, MD 21550
For the most current information, it's recommended to call ahead as procedures may have been updated since this information was published.
How To Find Property Records in Garrett County Online?
Finding Garrett County property records online is straightforward:
- Visit the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) website at https://sdat.dat.maryland.gov/RealProperty/
- Select "Garrett" from the county dropdown menu
- Search by address, property account number, or owner name
- For deed records, access the Maryland Land Records website at https://mdlandrec.net/
- Create a free account if you don't already have one
- Select Garrett County and use the search tools to find specific property documents
These online resources provide convenient access to most property information without requiring an in-person visit.
Can You Look Up Garrett County Property Records for Free?
Yes, you can look up Garrett County property records for free. The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) website offers free access to basic property information, including ownership details, assessment values, and property characteristics. The Maryland Land Records system also provides free access to deed records after creating an account. While basic searches are free, there may be fees for obtaining certified copies of documents or for more specialized research assistance.
What's Included in a Garrett County Property Record?
A Garrett County property record typically includes:
- Property owner's name and contact information
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Property size and boundaries
- Assessment value for tax purposes
- Building characteristics (square footage, number of rooms, etc.)
- Year built and construction details
- Recent sale information and price history
- Tax information and payment status
- Zoning classification
- Deed references and transaction history
- Plat maps or surveys (when available)
- Improvement details and building permits
The specific information available may vary depending on the property and the record source.
How Long Does Garrett County Keep Property Records?
Garrett County keeps property records permanently. Historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1872 are preserved and maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. While older records may be archived rather than immediately accessible, they are still retained and can be retrieved upon request. This permanent retention ensures a complete chain of title and property history is available for legal and historical purposes.
How To Find Liens on Property In Garrett County?
To find liens on property in Garrett County:
- Search the Maryland Land Records online system at https://mdlandrec.net/
- Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550
- Check with the Garrett County Tax Office at 203 South Fourth Street, Room 100, Oakland, MD 21550 for tax liens
- Request a title search from a local title company
- Search judgment records at the Circuit Court
- Check with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
A comprehensive search may require checking multiple sources, as different types of liens are recorded in different offices.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Garrett County?
The Property Owner Rule in Garrett County refers to the legal principle that property owners have certain rights and responsibilities regarding their real estate. This includes:
- Property owners must pay annual property taxes based on assessed value
- Owners must comply with local zoning regulations and building codes
- Property owners have the right to appeal their property tax assessments
- Owners must disclose certain property conditions when selling
- Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in accordance with county codes
Property owners should familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure compliance with local regulations and to protect their property rights.