Lackawanna County Property Records

What Is Lackawanna County Property Records

Lackawanna County property records constitute official government documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns land and buildings throughout Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Property records are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351, which mandates the recording of deeds and certain other instruments affecting real property.

The primary purposes of Lackawanna County property records include:

• Establishing legal ownership through chain of title documentation
• Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
• Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
• Facilitating real estate transactions and property tax assessment
• Creating permanent historical records of property ownership

The Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining a comprehensive system of property documentation dating back to the county's formation in 1878. Property records in Lackawanna County include deeds, mortgages, easements, liens, and various other instruments affecting real property interests.

Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds
123 Wyoming Avenue, 1st Floor
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6702
Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds

Are Property Records Public Information In Lackawanna County?

Property records in Lackawanna County are public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction. This public access is guaranteed under both Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101) and specific property recording statutes. The legal basis for this public access rests on several foundational principles:

1. Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record in the American legal system
2. Pennsylvania recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility to property records
3. Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by facilitating commerce and preventing fraud
4. The integrity of the property records system depends on open access for title verification

Any member of the public may access Lackawanna County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing justification for their request. This unrestricted access applies to all recorded documents, though certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access property records, noting in PG Publishing Co. v. County of Washington that "the recording of deeds and mortgages is a governmental function, and the records thereof are public records which are to be open to the inspection of the public."

How To Search Property Records in Lackawanna County in 2026

Lackawanna County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:

In-Person Searches:

• Visit the Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
• Complete a records request form available at the public counter
• Provide specific property information such as address, owner name, or parcel number
• Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
• Self-service computer terminals are available for public use

Mail Requests:

• Submit a written request to the Recorder of Deeds office
• Include specific property information and document types requested
• Enclose appropriate search and copy fees
• Provide return address for document delivery

Online Searches:

• Access the Lackawanna County property records portal through the county website
• Create a user account if conducting multiple searches
• Enter search criteria (address, owner name, parcel ID)
• View document index information at no charge
• Pay applicable fees to view or download document images

For complex searches or historical records, the Recorder of Deeds office recommends scheduling an appointment with research staff who can provide specialized assistance. All search methods require adherence to established fee schedules as authorized by 16 P.S. § 11011-7.

How To Find Property Records in Lackawanna County Online?

Lackawanna County maintains a comprehensive online property records system that allows public access to digital document images. To find property records online, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Lackawanna County Records Search Portal
2. Select the appropriate search type:
   • Property Search (by address or parcel number)
   • Name Search (by grantor/grantee)
   • Document Type Search (deeds, mortgages, etc.)
   • Date Range Search (for specific time periods)
3. Enter the required search criteria
4. Review the index results, which display basic document information
5. Select specific documents to view detailed information
6. Purchase document images as needed (fees apply for image downloads)

The online system provides access to property records dating back to 1996, with ongoing digitization of older records. For records prior to digital conversion, users should contact:

Lackawanna County Archives
300 Cliff Street
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6800
Lackawanna County Archives

The Pennsylvania Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act (21 Pa.C.S. § 483.1) provides the legal framework for electronic recording and access to property records. Users should note that while index information is freely available, document image access requires payment of statutory fees.

How To Look Up Lackawanna County Property Records for Free?

Lackawanna County provides several options for accessing property records without charge, though certain limitations apply to free searches:

Free In-Person Access:

• Visit the Recorder of Deeds public research area during regular business hours
• Use self-service terminals to search index information
• View documents on microfilm or in bound volumes without charge
• Staff assistance is available for navigating the records system

Free Online Index Searches:

• The county's online records portal provides free access to basic index information
• Search results display document type, recording date, and parties involved
• Parcel information and property addresses are viewable without charge
• Document images require payment of statutory fees

Public Library Resources:

• The Lackawanna County Library System maintains public access computers
• Library staff can assist with navigating to county property record resources
• Historical property information is available through library reference collections

Lackawanna County Library System - Albright Memorial Library
500 Vine Street
Scranton, PA 18509
(570) 348-3000
Lackawanna County Library System

Additionally, the Lackawanna County Assessment Office provides free access to basic property information, including:

• Current owner information
• Property assessment values
• Building characteristics
• Tax map information

Lackawanna County Assessment Office
123 Wyoming Avenue, 2nd Floor
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6726
Lackawanna County Assessment Office

What's Included in a Lackawanna County Property Record?

Lackawanna County property records encompass a diverse range of documents that collectively establish the legal status of real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices according to their respective jurisdictions and include:

Recorder of Deeds Documents:

• Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
• Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Restrictive covenants and conditions
• Powers of attorney related to real estate
• Condominium declarations
• Subdivision plans

Prothonotary Records:

• Judgment liens affecting real property
• Mechanics' liens
• Federal and state tax liens
• Lis pendens notices
• Civil judgments affecting property rights

Assessment Office Records:

• Property tax assessment information
• Building characteristics and improvements
• Land dimensions and acreage
• Property classification codes
• Tax maps and parcel identification

Register of Wills:

• Probate records affecting property ownership
• Estate inventories including real property
• Inheritance tax documentation

A typical Lackawanna County property record contains detailed information as required by 21 P.S. § 356, including:

1. Names of all parties (grantors and grantees)
2. Legal description of the property
3. Consideration amount (purchase price)
4. Date of transaction
5. Acknowledgment by notary public
6. Recording information (book, page, instrument number)
7. Tax parcel identification number
8. Property address (if assigned)
9. Transfer tax amounts paid

These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with county records focusing primarily on real property interests.

How Long Does Lackawanna County Keep Property Records?

Lackawanna County maintains property records permanently, in accordance with Pennsylvania's County Records Manual and the County Records Act (16 P.S. § 13001-13006). The permanent retention of property records ensures the continuous chain of title necessary for property ownership verification and real estate transactions.

Specific retention periods for various property-related documents include:

• Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
• Mortgages and satisfactions: Permanent retention
• Easements and rights-of-way: Permanent retention
• Subdivision plans: Permanent retention
• Condominium declarations: Permanent retention
• Mechanics' liens: Retained for 20 years after satisfaction
• Federal tax liens: Retained for 10 years after release
• Lis pendens notices: Retained until final disposition plus 7 years
• Judgment liens: Retained for 20 years after satisfaction

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission provides oversight for county records retention through its Local Government Records Committee, which establishes minimum retention requirements. Lackawanna County exceeds these minimums for property records due to their permanent legal significance.

Historical property records are preserved through multiple formats:

• Original paper documents (pre-1980)
• Microfilm archives (1980-1996)
• Digital images (1996-present)
• Backup systems maintained in secure off-site locations

This multi-layered preservation approach ensures the continuity of property records despite potential disasters or technological changes.

How To Find Liens on Property In Lackawanna County?

Liens on property in Lackawanna County are recorded across multiple county offices, requiring a comprehensive search strategy. To conduct a thorough lien search, members of the public should:

Search the Prothonotary's Office:

• Visit or contact the Prothonotary for judgment lien information
• Search by property owner name (not property address)
• Review civil judgment records that may affect real property
• Check for mechanics' liens filed against the property
• Verify federal and state tax liens

Prothonotary of Lackawanna County
Lackawanna County Courthouse
200 N. Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6702
Lackawanna County Prothonotary

Search the Recorder of Deeds:

• Check for mortgage liens and home equity loans
• Review for municipal utility liens that have been recorded
• Verify easements and restrictions that may encumber the property
• Examine for homeowners' association liens

Search the Tax Claim Bureau:

• Verify current property tax status
• Check for delinquent tax liens
• Review for tax sales or pending tax foreclosures

Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau
123 Wyoming Avenue, Suite 267
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6734
Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau

Municipal Lien Searches:

• Contact the specific municipality where the property is located
• Check for outstanding water/sewer charges
• Verify compliance with local codes and ordinances
• Review for special assessments or improvement liens

Professional title companies often provide comprehensive lien search services for a fee, which may be more efficient than conducting individual searches across multiple offices. Under Pennsylvania's Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act (53 P.S. § 7101-7505), certain municipal liens may have priority even if recorded after other encumbrances, making a thorough search essential.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Lackawanna County?

The Property Owner Rule in Lackawanna County refers to a set of regulations governing property ownership, recording requirements, and notice provisions. These rules are established through Pennsylvania state law and local ordinances, creating a framework for property rights and responsibilities.

Key elements of the Property Owner Rule include:

Recording Requirements:

• All property transfers must be recorded within 90 days of execution pursuant to 21 P.S. § 351
• Unrecorded deeds are valid between parties but void against subsequent good faith purchasers who record first
• Recording establishes constructive notice to the world of property interests
• Documents must meet specific formatting requirements for recording

Property Tax Responsibilities:

• Property owners must notify the Assessment Office of address changes
• New owners must ensure property tax bills are properly transferred
• Tax liability attaches to the property regardless of billing address errors
• Appeals of assessments must be filed by the record property owner

Disclosure Requirements:

• Sellers must complete the Pennsylvania Seller's Property Disclosure Statement
• Material defects must be disclosed to potential buyers
• Failure to disclose may create legal liability for property owners
• Certain environmental conditions require specific disclosures

Property Maintenance Obligations:

• Owners must maintain properties in accordance with local codes
• Vacant properties may require registration with municipalities
• Sidewalk maintenance responsibility typically falls to adjacent property owners
• Property owners may be liable for dangerous conditions on their land

The Pennsylvania doctrine of "race-notice" recording, codified in 21 P.S. § 351, establishes that the first to record a valid deed generally has priority, provided they had no notice of prior unrecorded interests. This creates a strong incentive for prompt recording of property documents to establish legal priority.

Lookup Property Records in Lackawanna County

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