Garrett County Property Records
What Is Garrett County Property Records
Garrett County property records are official documents maintained by various county departments that contain detailed information about real estate parcels within Garrett County, Maryland. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding property ownership, valuation, tax assessment, and land characteristics. Property records are maintained pursuant to Maryland Code, Tax-Property Article § 1-101 et seq., which establishes the legal framework for property documentation and assessment throughout the state.
The primary custodians of property records in Garrett County include:
Garrett County Department of Assessments and Taxation
203 South Fourth Street, Room 103
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1950
Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
Garrett County Billing & Collections Office
203 South Fourth Street, Room 109
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1935
Garrett County Billing & Collections
Property records typically encompass several categories of information, including but not limited to:
- Ownership history and current titleholders
- Property boundaries and legal descriptions
- Assessment values for tax purposes
- Improvement details (structures, additions)
- Tax payment status and history
- Zoning classifications
- Recorded easements and rights-of-way
These records form the foundation of the county's property tax system and provide essential information for real estate transactions, land use planning, and public administration functions.
Are Property Records Public Information In Garrett County?
Property records in Garrett County are public information and accessible to all citizens in accordance with Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA), codified under General Provisions Article § 4-101 et seq. of the Maryland Code. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including property documentation, with limited exceptions for confidential or sensitive information.
The following aspects of property record accessibility apply in Garrett County:
- Any member of the public may request and review property records without demonstrating a specific need or purpose
- No residency requirement exists for accessing public property records
- Records may be inspected during normal business hours at the appropriate county office
- Certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with privacy provisions of the PIA
- Commercial use of property records is permitted, though bulk data requests may incur additional fees
The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation maintains a publicly accessible database of property records that includes Garrett County parcels. This information is available through the Real Property Search portal, which provides basic property details at no cost to users.
For more comprehensive property information, citizens may visit:
Garrett County Courthouse
203 South Fourth Street
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1900
Garrett County Government
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.
How To Search Property Records in Garrett County in 2025
Garrett County offers multiple methods for searching property records in 2025, accommodating various user needs and preferences. The search process has been streamlined to provide efficient access to property information through both digital and in-person channels.
To conduct a property records search in Garrett County, individuals may utilize the following methods:
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Online Database Search: The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation's Real Property Database allows searches by property address, owner name, or property account number. This system has been enhanced for 2025 with improved search functionality and mobile compatibility.
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GIS Mapping Interface: Garrett County's Geographic Information System (GIS) provides a visual search option through interactive maps that display property boundaries, zoning, and basic ownership information.
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In-Person Research: Citizens may conduct searches at the county offices with assistance from staff members.
Garrett County Planning & Land Management
203 South Fourth Street, Room 208
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1920
Addressing & Mapping Services
When searching property records, users should have one or more of the following identifiers available:
- Property address (including street number and name)
- Property owner's name (current or previous)
- Tax account number or parcel identification number
- Deed reference (liber and folio numbers)
- Approximate property location for map-based searches
Search results typically include basic property information, with options to request more detailed records for specific parcels. Pursuant to Maryland Code, Tax-Property Article § 14-201, certain search capabilities may require user registration for tracking and administrative purposes.
How To Find Property Records in Garrett County Online?
Garrett County property records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by both county and state agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to property information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resources for accessing Garrett County property records include:
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Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Real Property Search: This comprehensive database allows users to search by address, owner name, or property account number. The system provides assessment values, ownership information, and basic property characteristics. Access is available through the SDAT Real Property Search portal.
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Garrett County Tax Payment Portal: This system allows property owners and interested parties to view tax billing information, payment history, and current tax status. The portal is maintained by the Garrett County Billing & Collections Office.
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Maryland Judiciary Case Search: For property-related court records, including foreclosures and property disputes, users may access the Maryland Courts Records system.
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Garrett County GIS Mapping: The county's interactive mapping system provides visual representation of property boundaries, zoning designations, and basic ownership information.
To effectively use these online resources, users should:
- Gather identifying information about the property (address, owner name, or account number)
- Select the appropriate online system based on the type of information needed
- Enter search criteria according to the system's requirements
- Review results and navigate to detailed property information as needed
Online access to property records is provided pursuant to Maryland Code, General Provisions Article § 4-205, which encourages government agencies to make public records available electronically when feasible.
Can You Look Up Garrett County Property Records for Free?
Garrett County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property record information. In accordance with Maryland's Public Information Act, certain fundamental property data is available without fees, while more detailed or specialized information may incur reasonable charges to cover administrative costs.
Free property record access options include:
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Basic Online Searches: The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation offers free access to fundamental property information through their online property search portal. This includes property identification, ownership, assessment values, and basic property characteristics.
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available for public use at the Garrett County Courthouse during regular business hours. These terminals provide access to the same online databases without charge.
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In-Person Record Inspection: Members of the public may visit county offices to view property records at no cost. Staff assistance for locating records is provided without charge during standard counter hours.
Garrett County Assessment Office
203 South Fourth Street, Room 103
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1950
Maryland Assessment Offices
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Fees may apply in the following circumstances:
- Printed copies of property records (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
- Certified copies of official documents ($5.00-$10.00 per document)
- Extensive research requiring staff time (hourly rates may apply)
- Bulk data requests or specialized data compilations
Pursuant to Maryland Code, General Provisions Article § 4-206, fees for property records must be reasonable and based on actual costs of reproduction or preparation.
What's Included in a Garrett County Property Record?
Garrett County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within county boundaries. These records are maintained in accordance with Maryland Code, Tax-Property Article § 2-202, which establishes requirements for property documentation throughout the state.
A standard Garrett County property record typically includes the following components:
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Ownership Information: Current and historical property owners, including names, acquisition dates, and deed references (liber and folio numbers).
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Property Identification: Unique identifiers including tax account number, parcel ID, and property address.
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Legal Description: Metes and bounds description or subdivision lot/block information defining the property boundaries.
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Assessment Values: Current and historical assessments for land and improvements, including dates of reassessment and value changes.
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Structural Information: Details about buildings and other improvements, including:
- Year built
- Square footage
- Construction type
- Number of stories
- Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
- Foundation type
- Heating/cooling systems
- Special features
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Land Characteristics: Lot size, topography, utilities, access, and other physical attributes.
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Tax Information: Current tax rate, annual tax amounts, payment status, and tax exemptions or credits applied.
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Zoning Classification: Current zoning designation and permitted land uses.
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Transfer History: Record of previous sales, including dates and transaction amounts.
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Plat References: Maps and surveys showing property boundaries and locations.
More specialized information may be available through supplementary records maintained by specific county departments, such as building permits, code violations, or utility connections.
How Long Does Garrett County Keep Property Records?
Garrett County maintains property records in perpetuity for most fundamental ownership and assessment documents. The retention of these records is governed by Maryland Code, State Government Article § 10-608 et seq., which establishes requirements for the preservation of government records.
The retention schedule for various types of property records in Garrett County is as follows:
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Deed Records and Ownership Documents: Permanently maintained in their original form or as digitized archival copies. These records date back to the county's formation in 1872 and provide an unbroken chain of title for all properties.
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Tax Assessment Records: Current and historical assessment information is retained permanently, with digital records available dating back to approximately 1970. Earlier assessment records are maintained in physical archives.
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Property Tax Payment Records: Typically retained for a minimum of seven years after payment or resolution of any disputes, in accordance with Maryland's statute of limitations for tax matters.
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Building Permits and Inspection Records: Maintained for the life of the structure plus three years. For demolished structures, records are typically retained for 20 years after demolition.
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Zoning and Land Use Records: Permanently maintained as part of the county's official records, with changes and amendments documented chronologically.
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Property Maps and Surveys: Permanently maintained, with historical maps preserved for their archival value.
The Maryland State Archives serves as the ultimate repository for permanent property records, working in conjunction with Garrett County to ensure the preservation of historically significant documents. Digital conversion efforts are ongoing to improve accessibility while protecting original documents from deterioration.
Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-6400
Maryland State Archives
How To Find Liens on Property In Garrett County?
Liens on property in Garrett County are matters of public record and can be researched through several official channels. A lien search is an essential component of due diligence in real estate transactions, as liens represent legal claims against property that may affect ownership rights or transfer.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Garrett County, interested parties should investigate the following sources:
- Clerk of the Circuit Court: The primary repository for recorded liens, including judgments, mechanics liens, and lis pendens filings. These records can be accessed through:
Garrett County Circuit Court
203 South Fourth Street
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1937
Maryland Courts
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Garrett County Tax Office: For tax liens resulting from delinquent property taxes or special assessments. Information is available through:
Garrett County Billing & Collections Office
203 South Fourth Street, Room 109
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1935
Garrett County Billing & Collections Resources
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Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation: For state tax liens and certain other encumbrances that may affect property.
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Federal Tax Lien Search: For federal tax liens filed against property owners, which can be conducted through the Circuit Court records.
When conducting a lien search, the following information should be gathered:
- Property owner's full legal name (including variations and previous names)
- Property address and legal description
- Tax account number or parcel identification
- Approximate timeframe of interest
Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 3-104, most liens must be recorded in the land records to be enforceable against the property. However, certain statutory liens, such as those for property taxes, may exist by operation of law without specific recording.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Garrett County?
The Property Owner Rule in Garrett County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership rights and responsibilities as established under Maryland law and local ordinances. This framework defines the scope and limitations of property ownership within the county.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Bundle of Rights: Property owners in Garrett County possess a collection of rights including the right to use, sell, lease, exclude others from, and develop their property, subject to applicable laws and regulations. These rights are protected under Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 2-101 et seq.
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Ownership Documentation Requirements: Legal ownership must be established through properly executed and recorded deeds or other instruments of conveyance. All property transfers must be recorded with:
Garrett County Circuit Court Land Records
203 South Fourth Street
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1937
Maryland Courts
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Property Tax Obligations: Owners are legally responsible for payment of all applicable property taxes as assessed by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and billed by Garrett County. Tax obligations run with the land and remain attached to the property regardless of ownership changes.
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Disclosure Requirements: When transferring property, owners must comply with Maryland's disclosure laws, including disclosure of material defects and environmental conditions as required by Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 10-702.
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Maintenance Responsibilities: Property owners must maintain their properties in compliance with county health and safety codes, including:
- Proper waste disposal
- Control of noxious vegetation
- Structural safety maintenance
- Snow removal from adjacent sidewalks
- Compliance with watershed protection regulations
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Riparian Rights: For properties adjacent to waterways, special rules apply regarding water access and usage rights pursuant to Maryland's riparian doctrine.
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Adverse Possession: Under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 5-103, property may be acquired through adverse possession after 20 years of open, notorious, exclusive, and continuous possession under claim of right.
Property owners seeking clarification of their rights and responsibilities may contact:
Garrett County Department of Planning and Land Management
203 South Fourth Street, Room 208
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1920
Garrett County Planning & Land Management
Lookup Property Records in Garrett County
Search Garrett County property tax records
Find property information online
Access Maryland assessment office information
View Garrett County mapping services
Check court records related to properties