Oakland County Property Records
What Is Oakland County Property Records
Oakland County property records constitute the official documentation that records ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within Oakland County, Michigan. These records serve as the authoritative source for establishing legal ownership of land and structures situated within county boundaries. Property records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201, which mandates the recording of instruments affecting real estate.
The primary purposes of Oakland County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Creating a permanent historical record of property ownership
The Oakland County Register of Deeds serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining a comprehensive repository of property-related documents dating back to the county's establishment. These records form the foundation of real property ownership rights in the county and are essential for real estate transactions, title research, and property rights protection.
Oakland County Register of Deeds
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 12 East
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0561
Oakland County Register of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Oakland County?
Property records in Oakland County are public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction as to purpose or relationship to the property. This public access is guaranteed under both the Michigan Freedom of Information Act and specific property recording statutes found in Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.551, which establishes the Register of Deeds' obligation to maintain these records for public inspection.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public records facilitate legitimate business transactions
- Historical precedent establishes property records as public documents
Under current law, any member of the public may access Oakland County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing justification for their request. This open access policy supports transparency in government operations and facilitates real estate transactions by ensuring all parties have access to accurate ownership information.
The Michigan Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access property records, recognizing their essential role in protecting property rights and facilitating commerce. County officials are required to provide reasonable access to these records during normal business hours.
How To Search Property Records in Oakland County in 2026
Oakland County provides multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
-
Online Search Portal
- Navigate to the Oakland County Land Records website
- Create a user account or log in as a guest
- Enter search criteria (name, address, parcel ID)
- Review search results and select desired records
- View, print, or download available documents
-
In-Person Research
- Visit the Oakland County Register of Deeds office during business hours
- Complete a research request form at the public terminal
- Utilize public computer terminals for self-directed searches
- Request assistance from staff for complex searches
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents
-
Written Request
- Submit a written request specifying the desired records
- Include property identification information
- Provide contact information for response
- Enclose appropriate search and copy fees
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing
Oakland County Register of Deeds
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 12 East
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0561
Oakland County Register of Deeds
Standard search fees currently include a $5.00 base search fee plus $1.00 per page for copies. Certified copies incur an additional $5.00 certification fee per document. The Register of Deeds accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and major credit cards.
How To Find Property Records in Oakland County Online?
Oakland County maintains a comprehensive online property records system that allows for efficient searching of recorded documents. The online search platform provides 24/7 access to property records through the following methods:
-
Property Gateway Search
- Access the Oakland County Property Gateway
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel ID
- View basic property information at no charge
- Access property tax information, assessment data, and ownership details
- View property characteristics and improvement details
-
Land Records Search
- Navigate to the Oakland County Land Records
- Create a user account for full access or use limited guest access
- Search by grantor/grantee name, document type, or recording date
- Access recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Purchase and download document copies for a fee
-
GIS Property Viewer
- Access the Oakland County Interactive GIS Map
- Search by address or parcel number
- View property boundaries on aerial photography
- Access linked property record information
- Generate custom property reports
The online system currently indexes documents back to 1964, with digital images available for documents recorded from 1988 to present. Earlier records may require in-person research at the Register of Deeds office. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.412, the Register of Deeds maintains a standardized indexing system to facilitate public access to these records.
Users should note that while basic property information is available at no cost, fees apply for document copies and certified records obtained through the online system. The current fee schedule includes $1.00 per page for document copies and $5.00 for each certification.
How To Look Up Oakland County Property Records for Free?
Oakland County provides several options for accessing property records without charge. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain basic property information:
-
Public Access Terminals
- Visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Use self-service computer terminals at no charge
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel ID
- View basic property information without printing
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
-
Oakland County Property Gateway
- Access the Oakland County Property Gateway
- No account creation or login required
- Search by address or parcel ID
- View ownership information, property characteristics, and tax data
- Access assessment and valuation information
-
Township and City Assessors
- Contact local municipal assessor's office
- Request basic property information
- Access local tax and assessment records
- Obtain property card information
- Verify ownership and property characteristics
Oakland County Equalization Division
250 Elizabeth Lake Road, Suite 1000 West
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0740
Oakland County Equalization
While basic property information is available without charge, fees apply for document copies, certified records, and extensive research assistance. The Register of Deeds is required by Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2567 to collect statutory fees for certain services, though basic record inspection remains free of charge.
What's Included in a Oakland County Property Record?
Oakland County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records contain detailed information about property ownership, characteristics, and encumbrances. The content of property records is governed by Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201, which specifies recording requirements.
Property records typically include:
-
Ownership Documents
- Warranty deeds
- Quit claim deeds
- Land contracts
- Trustee's deeds
- Personal representative's deeds
- Sheriff's deeds
-
Financial Encumbrances
- Mortgages and mortgage assignments
- Construction liens
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics liens
- Releases and satisfactions
-
Property Description Information
- Legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Plat or subdivision information
- Survey references
-
Additional Documents
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium master deeds
- Affidavits affecting title
- Powers of attorney
- Death certificates affecting title
It is important to note that property records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). Real property records are maintained by the Register of Deeds, while personal property records may be filed with the County Clerk or Secretary of State depending on the type of property.
Multiple county offices maintain different aspects of property records:
Oakland County Register of Deeds
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 12 East
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0561
Oakland County Register of Deeds
Oakland County Treasurer
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 12 East
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0611
Oakland County Treasurer
Oakland County Equalization Division
250 Elizabeth Lake Road, Suite 1000 West
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0740
Oakland County Equalization
How Long Does Oakland County Keep Property Records?
Oakland County maintains property records permanently in accordance with Michigan state law and county records retention policies. The preservation of these records is mandated by Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.561, which requires the Register of Deeds to maintain property records in perpetuity.
The retention periods for various property-related documents include:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Mortgage Discharges: Permanent retention
- Liens and Lien Releases: Permanent retention
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Easements and Rights-of-Way: Permanent retention
- Condominium Documents: Permanent retention
- Land Contracts: Permanent retention
- Affidavits Affecting Title: Permanent retention
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget has established a Records Management Services program that provides guidance to county governments regarding records retention. Oakland County follows these state-mandated retention schedules while maintaining its own comprehensive records management program.
Historical property records dating back to the county's establishment in 1820 are preserved through various methods, including:
- Original paper documents for historical records
- Microfilm backup for records from approximately 1964-1988
- Digital imaging for records from 1988 to present
- Ongoing digitization of historical records
The Register of Deeds employs modern preservation techniques to ensure the long-term accessibility of these vital records. Climate-controlled storage, acid-free materials, and digital backup systems protect the integrity of property records for future generations.
How To Find Liens on Property In Oakland County?
Liens on property in Oakland County can be identified through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred. The recording of liens is governed by various Michigan statutes, including Michigan Compiled Laws § 570.1111 for construction liens.
To locate liens on Oakland County property, interested parties may:
-
Search Register of Deeds Records
- Access the Oakland County Land Records online portal
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review index of recorded documents
- Identify liens, including tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanics liens
- Request copies of lien documents for detailed information
-
Conduct Circuit Court Records Search
- Visit the Oakland County Circuit Court
- Search judgment docket by property owner name
- Identify judgment liens that may affect property
- Review case files for specific judgment details
- Obtain certified copies of judgments if needed
-
Check Tax Records
- Contact the Oakland County Treasurer
- Request property tax status information
- Identify delinquent taxes that may result in tax liens
- Verify if property is subject to tax foreclosure proceedings
- Obtain tax certification if required for transactions
Oakland County Circuit Court
1200 N. Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0344
Oakland County Circuit Court
Professional title companies also provide lien search services for a fee, offering comprehensive reports that identify all recorded encumbrances affecting a property. These services are commonly utilized during real estate transactions to ensure clear title transfer.
It is important to note that some liens, such as federal tax liens, may be recorded with multiple agencies. A thorough lien search should include federal, state, and local records to identify all potential encumbrances.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Oakland County?
The Property Owner Rule in Oakland County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership rights and responsibilities within the jurisdiction. These regulations are derived from Michigan state law, local ordinances, and established legal precedents. Property ownership in Oakland County is subject to Michigan Compiled Laws § 554.1, which establishes fundamental property rights.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
-
Recording Requirements
- All property transfers must be recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Unrecorded deeds are valid between parties but may not protect against third-party claims
- Recording establishes constructive notice to the public
- First properly recorded deed generally takes priority over subsequent recordings
-
Ownership Forms
- Fee simple ownership (complete ownership rights)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Tenancy by the entirety (married couples only)
- Life estates and remainder interests
- Trust ownership
-
Property Rights and Restrictions
- Subject to zoning regulations and building codes
- Restricted by recorded easements and covenants
- Limited by environmental regulations
- Constrained by historic preservation designations where applicable
- Subject to taxation and special assessments
-
Adverse Possession
- Requires 15 years of open, notorious, and continuous possession
- Must be hostile to owner's rights
- Requires payment of property taxes
- Results in legal title after statutory period
Oakland County property owners must comply with local ordinances regarding property maintenance, which vary by municipality. The Oakland County Planning Division provides resources regarding zoning regulations and land use restrictions that affect property rights.
Property owners should be aware that Michigan follows the race-notice recording statute, meaning that a subsequent purchaser who records first without notice of a prior unrecorded interest may obtain superior rights to the property. This underscores the importance of prompt recording of all property-related documents.