San Francisco County Property Records
What Is San Francisco County Property Records
San Francisco County property records are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the City and County of San Francisco. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership history and rights throughout the county.
Property records in San Francisco County fulfill several essential functions:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests and transactions
- Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitate real estate transactions and property tax assessment
- Create permanent documentation of property boundaries and characteristics
Pursuant to California Government Code § 27201, county recorders are required to accept for recording any instrument, paper, or notice that is authorized or required by law to be recorded, provided it meets specific formatting requirements. The Office of the Assessor-Recorder maintains these vital records for San Francisco County.
Property records encompass numerous document types including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting real property interests. These records are maintained in perpetuity to ensure a complete historical record of property ownership and encumbrances within the county.
The San Francisco Assessor-Recorder's Office is responsible for:
- Recording and indexing all property-related documents
- Maintaining the official property ownership records
- Providing public access to recorded documents
- Assessing property values for tax purposes
Office of the Assessor-Recorder
City Hall, Room 190
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-5596
San Francisco Assessor-Recorder
Are Property Records Public Information In San Francisco County?
Property records in San Francisco County are public information and accessible to all members of the public under California law. The public nature of these records is established by both state statutes and common law principles regarding transparency in property ownership.
The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) establishes the fundamental right of access to information concerning the conduct of public business. Additionally, California Government Code § 27203 specifically requires county recorders to maintain indexes that allow the public to locate recorded documents.
The public accessibility of property records serves several important purposes:
- Ensures transparency in land ownership and transfers
- Provides notice to potential buyers of property interests
- Protects property rights by creating a verifiable chain of title
- Facilitates real estate transactions and property research
- Supports property tax assessment and collection
Any member of the public may access San Francisco County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects the principle that property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record.
The San Francisco Assessor-Recorder's Office maintains these public records and provides various methods for accessing them, including in-person visits, online searches, and written requests for copies of recorded documents. While access to the records is free, fees may apply for obtaining copies of documents or for certified copies.
How To Search Property Records in San Francisco County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in San Francisco County may utilize several methods currently available through the Office of the Assessor-Recorder. The following procedures outline the standard process for conducting property record searches:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the San Francisco Property Information Portal
- Enter the property address or Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Review the basic property information displayed
- For recorded documents, navigate to the Records Manager search tool
- Create a free account if conducting detailed searches
- Enter relevant search criteria (name, document type, date range)
- View document index information at no charge
- Purchase copies of documents as needed ($3.00 per document currently)
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Office of the Assessor-Recorder during public counter hours
- Complete a records search request form
- Provide specific information about the property or document
- Use public terminals to search the electronic index
- Request assistance from staff for complex searches
- Review documents on-site
- Request copies of relevant documents (fees apply)
Mail or Email Request Method:
- Download the document request form from the Assessor-Recorder website
- Complete the form with specific property or document information
- Include payment for applicable fees
- Submit the request via mail or email to the Assessor-Recorder's Office
- Allow processing time as indicated on the request form
- Receive documents via mail or electronic delivery
For specialized searches or assistance with complex property records, the public may request an appointment with the Assessor-Recorder's research staff. Additional fees may apply for extensive research services.
Office of the Assessor-Recorder
City Hall, Room 190
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-5596
San Francisco Assessor-Recorder
Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
How To Find Property Records in San Francisco County Online?
San Francisco County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms maintained by county offices. These resources allow members of the public to conduct research remotely at their convenience.
The primary online resources for accessing San Francisco County property records include:
-
Records Manager Search Tool
- Access through the Get copies of recorded documents portal
- Search for documents recorded after 1990
- Create a free account to access advanced search features
- Search by name, document type, recording date, or document number
- View index information at no cost
- Purchase document copies for a fee ($3.00 per document)
-
Property Information Map
- Access through the San Francisco Property Information website
- Search by address or parcel number
- View basic property characteristics
- Access zoning information, permit history, and assessments
- Link to related property records and departments
-
Assessor-Recorder's Online Services
- Access property assessment information
- View recorded document indexes
- Request official copies of recorded documents
- Access marriage records and other vital records
- Submit electronic recording requests (for authorized submitters)
-
Treasurer & Tax Collector's Property Tax Portal
- Access through the Property Tax Payment website
- View property tax bills and payment history
- Make online tax payments
- Request property tax certificates
- View tax auction information for delinquent properties
When using these online systems, users should note that while index information is generally available at no cost, fees apply for obtaining copies of actual documents. Additionally, some older records (pre-1990) may not be fully digitized and might require in-person research at the Assessor-Recorder's Office.
For technical assistance with online property record searches, users may contact:
San Francisco Digital Services
City Hall, Room 305
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-4000
San Francisco Digital Services
How To Look Up San Francisco County Property Records for Free?
San Francisco County provides several options for members of the public to access property records at no cost. While fees apply for obtaining copies of documents, the following methods allow for free lookup of basic property information and document indexes:
Free Online Access Options:
-
Property Information Map
- Visit the San Francisco Property Information portal
- Search by address or Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- View basic property details including:
- Owner name (for public entities only)
- Assessed value
- Square footage
- Year built
- Zoning information
- Neighborhood information
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
-
Records Manager Index Search
- Access the recorded documents search tool
- Create a free account
- Search document indexes by name, date, or document type
- View index information showing document types and recording dates
- Note: While index searches are free, document copies require payment
-
Property Tax Information
- Visit the Treasurer & Tax Collector website
- Search by address or parcel number
- View current tax assessment information
- Access tax payment status and history
- No fees for viewing tax information
Free In-Person Access Options:
-
Public Terminals at Assessor-Recorder's Office
- Visit during regular business hours
- Use public computer terminals at no charge
- Search property records and indexes
- View documents on-screen
- Print copies for a nominal fee
-
San Francisco Public Library
- Visit the Government Information Center at the Main Library
- Access specialized databases with property information
- Receive assistance from librarians trained in government records
- Use library computers to access online county resources
San Francisco Public Library - Government Information Center
Main Library, 5th Floor
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4500
San Francisco Public Library
When utilizing free lookup options, members of the public should note that while basic information is available at no cost, fees will apply for obtaining official copies of documents or for certified copies needed for legal purposes.
What's Included in a San Francisco County Property Record?
San Francisco County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Assessor-Recorder's Office, and contain detailed information about property ownership, characteristics, and encumbrances.
Property records in San Francisco County typically include the following components:
Ownership Information:
- Current and historical property owners
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
- Vesting information (how title is held)
- Mailing address for tax purposes
Property Identification:
- Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Legal description of the property
- Property address
- Subdivision information
- Lot and block numbers
- Tract or map references
Physical Characteristics:
- Land area (square footage or acreage)
- Building size and dimensions
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Year built and effective year (if renovated)
- Construction type and quality
- Architectural style
- Building permits and improvements
Financial Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Purchase price (from transfer tax stamps)
- Mortgage and financing information
- Property tax assessment history
- Tax exemptions (if applicable)
Recorded Documents:
- Deeds (grant, quitclaim, warranty)
- Trust deeds and mortgages
- Reconveyances and satisfactions
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Maps and surveys
- Court orders affecting title
Pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code § 408, certain assessment information is available to the public, while some information may be restricted to protect taxpayer confidentiality. The level of detail available in public records is governed by this statute and related privacy laws.
It is important to note that San Francisco County distinguishes between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable items) in its record-keeping. While real property records are maintained by the Assessor-Recorder, personal property records for businesses are maintained separately through the Business Personal Property Division.
How Long Does San Francisco County Keep Property Records?
San Francisco County maintains property records in perpetuity for most document types related to real property ownership and transfers. This permanent retention policy ensures a complete historical record of property ownership throughout the county's history.
The retention of property records is governed by California Government Code § 26205.1, which establishes minimum retention periods for various county records. For property records specifically, the following retention periods apply:
Permanent Retention (Never Destroyed):
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Reconveyances
- Maps and surveys
- Subdivision plats
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Court judgments affecting title
- Tax liens and releases
- Property assessment rolls
Extended Retention (30+ Years):
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Property tax payment records
- Assessment appeals documentation
- Zoning variances and conditional use permits
Limited Retention (2-10 Years):
- Temporary construction permits
- Routine correspondence about properties
- Preliminary title reports (not recorded)
- Property inspection reports
- Temporary tax exemption applications
The San Francisco Assessor-Recorder's Office has implemented a comprehensive digital archiving system to preserve historical property records. Documents dating back to the 1850s have been digitized to ensure their preservation and accessibility. While the original paper documents for very old records may have deteriorated, the information has been preserved in microfilm or digital format.
For research purposes, the county maintains an archive of historical property records that can be accessed through specialized research requests. These historical records are particularly valuable for:
- Establishing historical chain of title
- Researching property development over time
- Historical and architectural research
- Resolving boundary disputes
- Confirming historical property rights and restrictions
Researchers seeking access to historical property records may need to schedule an appointment with the Assessor-Recorder's archival research staff for assistance with locating and interpreting older documents.
How To Find Liens on Property In San Francisco County?
Locating liens on property in San Francisco County requires searching specific records maintained by various county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. The following procedures outline how members of the public may search for liens on San Francisco County properties:
Types of Liens to Search For:
-
Tax Liens
- Property tax liens (secured and unsecured)
- Special assessment liens
- Supplemental tax liens
-
Judgment Liens
- Court judgments recorded against property owners
- Small claims judgments
- Federal and state tax liens
-
Mechanic's Liens
- Claims by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers
- Material and labor liens
-
Assessment Liens
- Community facilities district liens
- Special improvement district assessments
- Utility liens
Search Methods for Liens:
-
Assessor-Recorder's Office Search
- Visit the recorded documents search portal
- Search by property owner name or parcel number
- Filter document types to include "lien" or specific lien types
- Review index information for recorded liens
- Order copies of lien documents as needed
-
Treasurer & Tax Collector Search
- Access the property tax payment system
- Enter the property address or APN
- Review current and delinquent tax status
- Check for special assessments or tax liens
- Request a tax certificate showing any outstanding tax liens
-
Superior Court Records Search
- Visit the San Francisco Superior Court Civil Division
- Search judgment indexes by property owner name
- Review any judgments that may attach as liens
- Request copies of relevant court documents
-
In-Person Title Search
- Visit the Assessor-Recorder's Office
- Request a property profile or preliminary title search
- Review all recorded documents affecting the property
- Identify any outstanding liens or encumbrances
San Francisco Superior Court - Civil Division
Civic Center Courthouse
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-3800
San Francisco Superior Court
For comprehensive lien searches, members of the public may consider obtaining a preliminary title report from a title company, which will identify all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting the property. While this service typically involves a fee, it provides the most thorough review of potential liens.
What Is Property Owner Rule In San Francisco County?
The Property Owner Rule in San Francisco County refers to a set of regulations and principles governing property ownership, transfer, and recording requirements within the jurisdiction. These rules establish the legal framework for property ownership and the responsibilities of property owners.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule in San Francisco County include:
Recording Requirements:
Pursuant to California Government Code § 27280, any instrument or judgment affecting title to or possession of real property may be recorded. San Francisco County requires that:
- All documents affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements (margins, font size, etc.)
- Original signatures or certified copies are required for recording
- Documentary transfer tax must be paid on conveyances of real property
- A Preliminary Change of Ownership Report must accompany transfers
Ownership Verification:
San Francisco County follows specific procedures for verifying property ownership:
- The recorded deed is the primary evidence of ownership
- Property tax bills are sent to the owner of record as of January 1
- Name changes or corrections require supporting documentation
- Trusts, corporations, and other entities must provide evidence of authority
- Identity verification may be required for certain transactions
Property Tax Responsibilities:
Property owners in San Francisco County are subject to specific tax obligations:
- Property taxes are assessed based on the value established at transfer
- Proposition 13 limits annual increases to 2% unless ownership changes
- Supplemental assessments are issued when property changes ownership
- Various exemptions are available (homeowner's, veteran's, etc.)
- Tax bills are issued annually with payments due in December and April
Transfer Disclosure Requirements:
When transferring property in San Francisco County, owners must comply with:
- Natural Hazard Disclosure requirements
- Transfer Disclosure Statements for residential properties
- Seismic hazard zone and earthquake fault zone disclosures
- Water conservation certificate requirements
- Energy conservation disclosure requirements
Special San Francisco Requirements:
San Francisco County has implemented several local ordinances affecting property owners:
- Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO)
- Water Conservation Ordinance
- Soft-Story Retrofit Program for certain multi-unit buildings
- Vacant Building Registration requirements
- Short-term rental registration for properties used as vacation rentals
Property owners should consult with legal professionals regarding specific applications of these rules to their individual circumstances, as regulations may be subject to change and interpretation by relevant authorities.