Luzerne County Property Records
What Is Luzerne County Property Records
Luzerne County property records constitute official documentation that chronicles the ownership history, transfers, and encumbrances affecting real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source for establishing legal ownership of land and structures situated in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Property records are maintained pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351, which mandates the recording of deeds and related instruments.
The primary functions of Luzerne County property records include:
- Establishing legal chain of title and ownership rights
- Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions and title research
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
The Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds Office serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining a comprehensive repository of property-related documents dating back to the county's formation in 1786. The office is responsible for recording, indexing, and preserving these vital records in accordance with Pennsylvania state law.
Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1641
Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Luzerne County?
Property records in Luzerne County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction. This public access is guaranteed under both the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 357, which specifically addresses the public nature of recorded instruments. The legal foundation for this transparency rests on several key principles:
- Property ownership constitutes a matter of public record by statutory design
- Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility to property documents
- Transparency in land ownership serves the broader public interest
- Any individual may access property records without demonstrating specific interest or stating a reason
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access property records, noting in Commonwealth v. Fenstermaker that "public records are available for examination by any citizen at reasonable times." This principle applies fully to all property records maintained by Luzerne County offices.
Members of the public seeking access to property records may do so through in-person visits to county offices, online platforms, or formal written requests. County officials are obligated under Pennsylvania law to provide reasonable accommodation for public inspection of these records during normal business hours.
How To Search Property Records in Luzerne County in 2026
Luzerne County offers multiple methods for searching property records. The following procedures enable efficient access to the county's property documentation:
Online Search Method:
- Navigate to the Luzerne County Records Search Portal
- Create a user account or proceed as a guest user
- Select the desired search parameters (name, property address, document type, etc.)
- Enter relevant search criteria in the provided fields
- Review search results and select documents for viewing
- Pay applicable fees for document copies if required
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete a records request form available at the public counter
- Provide specific search criteria to the records clerk
- Wait while staff retrieves the requested documents
- Review materials at designated research stations
- Request copies of relevant documents (fees apply)
Mail Request Method:
- Download and complete the Official Records Request Form
- Include specific search parameters (names, dates, property identifiers)
- Enclose appropriate payment for search and copy fees
- Mail the completed form to:
Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1641
Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds
Search fees currently range from $5-$25 depending on search complexity, with additional charges for certified copies. Payment may be made by check, money order, or credit card (online only).
How To Find Property Records in Luzerne County Online?
Luzerne County maintains comprehensive digital access to property records through several online platforms. The following step-by-step process enables efficient online retrieval of property documentation:
- Access the Luzerne County Property Records Portal
- Register for a user account (required for full access) or continue as a guest user
- Select from available search options:
- Name search (grantor/grantee)
- Property address search
- Parcel identification number (PIN) search
- Document type search
- Date range search
- Enter relevant search criteria in the appropriate fields
- Review the search results displayed on screen
- Select specific documents for viewing or downloading
- Pay applicable fees for document access or copies
For property assessment and tax information, users should utilize the separate Luzerne County Assessment Database:
- Navigate to the assessment database portal
- Select search method (owner name, property address, or parcel ID)
- Enter search criteria in the provided fields
- Review property assessment information, including:
- Current assessed value
- Property classification
- Building characteristics
- Recent sales history
- Tax information
Digital access is available 24 hours per day, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Technical support for online searches is available during normal business hours by contacting:
Luzerne County Information Technology
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1500
Luzerne County Information Technology
How To Look Up Luzerne County Property Records for Free?
Luzerne County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records, though certain limitations apply to free searches. The following methods enable cost-free access to basic property information:
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Luzerne County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Proceed to the Recorder of Deeds Office on the second floor
- Request access to public computer terminals
- Conduct self-directed searches using available indices
- View basic document information without charge
- Note that printing or obtaining certified copies incurs standard fees
Luzerne County Public Library System:
- Visit any branch of the Luzerne County Library System
- Use public computer stations with internet access
- Navigate to the county's basic property information portal
- Conduct limited searches of publicly available property data
- Access historical property information through library resources
Basic Online Information:
- Access the Luzerne County Assessment Database
- Utilize the free basic search function (no registration required)
- View limited property information including:
- Owner name
- Property address
- Assessed value
- Property classification
- Basic building characteristics
It is important to note that while basic property information is available without charge, comprehensive document retrieval, certified copies, and advanced search capabilities typically require payment of established fees pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 812, which authorizes counties to collect reasonable fees for recording services.
What's Included in a Luzerne County Property Record?
Luzerne County property records encompass a diverse array of documents that collectively establish the legal status and history of real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351-356, which governs the recording of instruments affecting real property.
Property records in Luzerne County typically include the following document types:
-
Deeds and Conveyances:
- Warranty deeds
- Quitclaim deeds
- Sheriff's deeds
- Tax deeds
- Executor's deeds
- Trustee's deeds
-
Mortgages and Financing Instruments:
- Mortgage agreements
- Mortgage satisfactions
- Assignments of mortgage
- Home equity lines of credit
- Construction loans
-
Liens and Encumbrances:
- Tax liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Municipal liens
- Child support liens
- Federal tax liens
-
Miscellaneous Documents:
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Subdivision plats
- Power of attorney documents
- Affidavits affecting title
The information contained within these records typically includes:
- Legal description of the property
- Names of all parties to the transaction
- Consideration paid (purchase price)
- Date of transaction
- Notarization and witness attestations
- Recording information (book, page, instrument number)
- Property tax parcel identification number
- References to related documents
- Special conditions or restrictions
It is important to note that Luzerne County distinguishes between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) in its record-keeping systems. While real property records are maintained by the Recorder of Deeds, personal property records may be filed with the Prothonotary's Office or other county departments depending on the nature of the property.
How Long Does Luzerne County Keep Property Records?
Luzerne County maintains property records in perpetuity, preserving the complete chain of title from the county's formation to the present day. This permanent retention policy is mandated by Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 16 § 9731, which requires counties to permanently preserve all recorded instruments affecting real property.
The retention schedule for specific property-related documents is as follows:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Liens and Judgments: Permanent retention, though satisfied liens may be marked as inactive
- Subdivision Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Easements and Rights-of-Way: Permanent retention
- Tax Assessment Records: Minimum 7 years for working documents; permanent retention for final assessments
- Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy: Minimum 10 years; permanent retention for historically significant structures
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission provides oversight for county records retention through its Local Government Records Committee, which establishes minimum retention periods for various document types. However, for property records, the statutory requirement for permanent retention supersedes any minimum retention schedule.
Luzerne County employs multiple preservation methods to ensure the longevity of these vital records:
- Original documents are preserved in climate-controlled storage
- Microfilm backups are maintained for records predating digital systems
- Digital scanning and indexing for all current and historical documents
- Off-site backup storage to protect against catastrophic events
- Regular conservation treatment for deteriorating historical documents
This comprehensive preservation approach ensures that Luzerne County property records remain accessible to future generations, maintaining an unbroken chain of title documentation.
How To Find Liens on Property In Luzerne County?
Locating liens on Luzerne County properties requires searching multiple county offices, as different types of liens are recorded in separate jurisdictions. The following systematic approach enables comprehensive lien discovery:
Tax Liens:
- Contact the Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau:
Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1512
Luzerne County Tax Claim Bureau
- Provide the property address or parcel identification number
- Request a tax certification showing any delinquent taxes or tax liens
- Pay the applicable search fee ($10 per parcel)
Judgment Liens:
- Visit the Luzerne County Prothonotary's Office:
Luzerne County Prothonotary
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-1745
Luzerne County Prothonotary
- Request a judgment search against the property owner's name
- Specify the time period for the search (current owner's tenure)
- Pay the applicable search fee ($15 per name)
Mechanic's Liens:
- Visit the Luzerne County Prothonotary's Office (address above)
- Request a specific search for mechanic's liens against the property
- Provide the property address and legal description
- Pay the applicable search fee ($15 per property)
Municipal Liens:
- Contact the specific municipality where the property is located
- Request a municipal lien certification
- Pay the applicable fee (varies by municipality)
Federal Tax Liens:
- Visit the Luzerne County Prothonotary's Office (address above)
- Request a federal tax lien search against the property owner
- Pay the applicable search fee ($15 per name)
Comprehensive Lien Search:
For a complete lien profile, property owners or interested parties may engage a title company to conduct a thorough title search, which will reveal all recorded liens against a property. Title companies typically charge $150-$300 for a comprehensive search and report.
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 53 § 7143, municipalities must file liens in the appropriate county office to perfect their claims against real property. This statutory requirement ensures that properly conducted searches will reveal all legally enforceable liens.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Luzerne County?
The Property Owner Rule in Luzerne County refers to a set of regulations governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the legal effects of properly recorded instruments. These rules are established under Pennsylvania state law and implemented through county procedures in accordance with Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351-356.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements:
- All instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded in the county where the property is located
- Documents must be properly acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized official
- Original documents or certified copies must be presented for recording
- Documents must include the property's tax parcel identification number
- Proper fees must be paid at the time of recording
Notice Doctrine:
Luzerne County follows Pennsylvania's "race-notice" recording statute, which establishes that:
- A properly recorded instrument provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors
- An unrecorded instrument is valid between the parties but may be void against subsequent bona fide purchasers who record first
- Priority of interests is generally determined by order of recording
Ownership Verification:
Property ownership in Luzerne County is established through:
- The recorded deed showing transfer of title
- Continuous chain of title traceable through county records
- Payment of applicable transfer taxes at the time of conveyance
- Compliance with local zoning and land use regulations
Transfer Tax Requirements:
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 72 § 8102-C, property transfers in Luzerne County are subject to:
- State transfer tax (1% of consideration)
- Local transfer tax (1% of consideration, split between municipality and school district)
- Exemptions for certain qualifying transfers (gifts between family members, transfers to government entities, etc.)
- Requirement to file a Statement of Value form for exempt transactions
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses regulations regarding:
- Adverse possession (21-year statutory period under Pennsylvania law)
- Easements and rights-of-way documentation requirements
- Subdivision and land development approval processes
- Property tax assessment procedures
- Building code compliance for structures
Property owners in Luzerne County are advised to maintain accurate records of their ownership documents and to promptly record any instruments affecting their property rights to ensure maximum legal protection under the Property Owner Rule.