Bronx Public Records /Bronx County Property Records

Bronx County Property Records

What Is Bronx County Property Records

Property records in Bronx County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout the Bronx. Pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, these records must be maintained and made accessible to the public.

The primary purposes of Bronx County property records include:

Establishing legal ownership and maintaining the chain of title
Providing public notice of property interests and transactions
Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
Facilitating real estate transactions and property development
Supporting property tax assessment and collection

In Bronx County, property records are primarily maintained by the New York City Department of Finance, which serves as the official record-keeper for property documents in the Bronx. The Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) is the primary database where these records are stored and can be accessed by the public.

NYC Department of Finance - Bronx Borough Office
3030 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10455
(212) 291-2000
NYC Department of Finance

Are Property Records Public Information In Bronx County?

Yes, property records in Bronx County are public information. Under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and New York Real Property Law § 291, these records must be made available for public inspection. The legal basis for this public access includes:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility to property documents
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by facilitating commerce and preventing fraud
Public access to property records supports proper taxation and municipal planning

Any member of the public may access property records in Bronx County without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy aligns with New York State's commitment to government transparency and the public's right to information.

The NYC Department of Finance maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person services and online platforms. While basic record searches are free, certain detailed documents or certified copies may require payment of nominal fees as established by municipal ordinance.

How To Search Property Records in Bronx County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search property records in Bronx County may utilize several methods currently available through the NYC Department of Finance. The following step-by-step process outlines how to conduct a comprehensive property records search:

Identify the property information needed for your search
- Property address (house number, street name, borough)
- Borough-Block-Lot (BBL) number, if known
- Property owner's name (for ownership searches)
Access the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS)
- This is the official online database for property records in the Bronx
- No registration is required for basic searches
Conduct a property search using one of the following methods:
- Property Address Search: Enter the street number, street name, and select "Bronx" as the borough
- BBL Search: Enter the Borough-Block-Lot number (Borough code for Bronx is 2)
- Party Name Search: Enter the name of a property owner or party to a transaction
Review search results and select relevant documents
- Results will display document types, recording dates, and parties involved
- Click on document ID numbers to view document details
Request copies of documents if needed
- Electronic copies can be downloaded directly from ACRIS
- Certified copies must be requested in person or by mail

For in-person assistance with property record searches, visit:

NYC Department of Finance - Bronx Business Center
3030 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10455
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(212) 291-2000
NYC Department of Finance

How To Find Property Records in Bronx County Online?

Finding property records in Bronx County online is a straightforward process using the digital resources provided by the NYC Department of Finance. The following online platforms are currently available for accessing Bronx property records:

Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS)
- The primary online database for property documents
- Provides access to deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents
- Allows searches by address, owner name, or document type
- Documents available from 1966 to present for the Bronx
NYC Property Tax Public Access
- Search property tax information and assessment records
- View property tax bills, payment history, and exemptions
- Access property valuation data and tax class information
NYCityMap
- Interactive GIS map with property information layers
- Identify properties by address or by clicking on the map
- Access zoning, tax lot, and building information
- Link to other city property databases
Department of City Planning - ZoLa
- Zoning and Land Use application
- View zoning districts, special districts, and land use regulations
- Access property development rights and restrictions

To conduct an effective online search:

Gather all available property identifiers (address, BBL, owner name)
Select the appropriate online platform based on the information needed
Enter search criteria following the platform's specific format requirements
Review results and refine search parameters as needed
Download or save relevant documents for your records

Online access is available 24/7, providing convenient access to property records without visiting government offices in person.

How To Look Up Bronx County Property Records for Free?

Bronx County residents and interested parties can access property records at no cost through several government-provided resources. The following methods allow for free property record lookups:

Online Access via ACRIS
- The Automated City Register Information System provides free access to property records
- Basic document searches and viewing are available at no charge
- Document images can be viewed and printed without fees
- No registration or account required for basic searches
NYC Property Tax Public Access Portal
- Access property tax information without fees
- View assessment information, tax rates, and property details
- Check property tax payment status and history
In-Person Research at Government Offices
- Visit the NYC Department of Finance Bronx Business Center for free access to property records
- Staff assistance available for navigating records
- Self-service computer terminals provided for public use
- Located at 3030 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10455
NYC Department of City Planning Resources
- Access zoning and land use information at no cost
- View property development regulations and restrictions
- Research historical zoning changes affecting properties
NYC 311 Property Information
- Contact 311 for basic property record information
- Available by phone (dial 311) or online through the NYC 311 portal
- Assistance with directing inquiries to appropriate agencies

While basic record access is free, please note that certain services do carry nominal fees:

Certified copies of documents ($15 per document)
Large volume document requests
Expedited service requests
Recording new documents (fees vary by document type)

What's Included in a Bronx County Property Record?

Bronx County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the borough. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). Under New York Real Property Law § 316, specific information must be maintained in these records.

Property records in Bronx County typically include:

Ownership Documents:

Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
Transfer documents and certificates
Property owner history and chain of title
Executor's deeds and estate transfers
Condominium declarations and bylaws

Financial Encumbrances:

Mortgages and mortgage assignments
Satisfaction of mortgage documents
Mechanics' liens and other statutory liens
Tax liens (federal, state, and local)
Judgments affecting title
Lis pendens (pending litigation notices)

Property Characteristics:

Legal description of the property
Borough-Block-Lot (BBL) identifier
Property dimensions and boundaries
Building information (size, stories, units)
Year built and major renovations
Property class and tax classification

Government Information:

Property tax assessment records
Tax payment history
Zoning classification and restrictions
Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Environmental notices or restrictions
Historic designation status (if applicable)

These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the NYC Department of Finance, but also including the Department of Buildings, Department of City Planning, and Department of Environmental Protection, each maintaining specific aspects of the property's official record.

How Long Does Bronx County Keep Property Records?

Bronx County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by New York State law and municipal regulations. The New York State Archives Records Retention Schedule governs the minimum retention periods for various property documents. For property records in the Bronx, the following retention periods currently apply:

Permanent Retention (Never Destroyed):

Deeds and property transfer documents
Mortgage and satisfaction documents
Property maps and surveys
Tax maps and property boundaries
Condominium declarations and plans
Historic property designations

Long-Term Retention (20+ Years):

Property tax assessment rolls (20 years)
Building permits for completed structures (permanent)
Certificates of occupancy (permanent)
Zoning variance records (permanent)
Environmental impact statements (permanent)

Medium-Term Retention (7-20 Years):

Building code violations (7 years after resolution)
Property tax payment records (10 years)
Temporary permits and approvals (10 years after expiration)
Special assessments (10 years after final payment)

Short-Term Retention (Less than 7 Years):

Routine correspondence (3 years)
Inspection requests (3 years after completion)
Temporary certificates (6 years after expiration)

The NYC Department of Finance maintains historical property records dating back to the early 20th century, with some records from the 19th century also preserved. Digital records in the ACRIS system currently date back to 1966 for Bronx properties, while older records may be available in microfilm or paper format at the Bronx County Clerk's Office.

How To Find Liens on Property In Bronx County?

Locating liens on Bronx County properties requires searching several official databases where these encumbrances are recorded. Liens represent legal claims against property due to unpaid debts or obligations. To conduct a comprehensive lien search on a Bronx property, follow these steps:

Search for Tax Liens
- Access the NYC Department of Finance Property Tax System
- Enter the property address or BBL number
- Review the "Tax Liens" section of the property record
- Check for any unpaid property taxes or water/sewer charges
Search for Recorded Liens in ACRIS
- Visit the Automated City Register Information System
- Conduct a property search by address or BBL
- Filter document types to include:
  - Federal tax liens
  - State tax liens
  - Mechanics' liens
  - Judgment liens
  - UCC financing statements
Check for Building Violations and ECB Liens
- Access the NYC Department of Buildings BIS system
- Search by property address
- Review any Environmental Control Board (ECB) violations
- Check for unpaid fines that may have become liens
Search for Federal Tax Liens
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the NYC Department of Finance
- These appear in ACRIS searches under "Federal Tax Liens"
- For verification, contact the IRS directly at (800) 913-6050
Check for Bankruptcy Filings
- Search the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York
- Bankruptcy filings may affect property liens and their priority

For in-person assistance with lien searches, visit:

NYC Department of Finance - Bronx Business Center
3030 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10455
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(212) 291-2000
NYC Department of Finance

Professional title companies and attorneys often conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of real estate transactions, as they have expertise in identifying all potential encumbrances that may affect property ownership.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Bronx County?

The Property Owner Rule in Bronx County refers to a set of regulations and responsibilities that govern property ownership within the borough. These rules are established by New York State law, New York City Administrative Code, and local ordinances. Under New York Real Property Law § 235 and related statutes, property owners in the Bronx must adhere to specific requirements:

Property Registration Requirements:

All property owners must register with the NYC Department of Finance
Multiple dwelling properties (3+ units) must register with HPD annually
Registration must be updated within 30 days of ownership changes
Failure to register may result in penalties of $250-$500 per year

Property Maintenance Obligations:

Owners must maintain properties in accordance with the NYC Housing Maintenance Code
Properties must meet all building, fire, and health code requirements
Sidewalks adjacent to properties must be maintained in safe condition
Snow and ice removal required within specified timeframes after snowfall

Tenant Relations Regulations:

Rent-stabilized and rent-controlled properties subject to specific regulations
Required services must be maintained for all residential tenants
Proper notice required for entry to occupied units
Security deposit limitations and requirements

Tax and Financial Responsibilities:

Property taxes must be paid quarterly or semi-annually
Water and sewer charges must be paid promptly
Property owners responsible for recording all property transactions
Accurate information must be provided for property tax assessment

Disclosure Requirements:

Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 residential buildings
Bed bug infestation history must be disclosed to potential tenants
Flood zone status must be disclosed in property transactions
Energy efficiency information required for larger buildings

Property owners who fail to comply with these regulations may face civil penalties, fines, tax liens, or in severe cases, foreclosure proceedings. The NYC Department of Buildings, Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and Department of Finance all play roles in enforcing these property owner rules.