Lehigh County Property Records
What Is Lehigh County Property Records
Property records in Lehigh County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
Property records fulfill several essential functions in the county's legal and administrative framework:
- Establish legal ownership by documenting the chain of title from one owner to the next
- Provide public notice of property interests, including easements and restrictions
- Protect property rights by creating an official record of ownership claims
- Facilitate property transactions by providing reliable ownership information
- Support property tax assessment and collection processes
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351, all deeds, mortgages, and certain other instruments affecting real property in Pennsylvania must be recorded in the appropriate county office. This statutory requirement ensures that property interests are properly documented and accessible to the public.
The primary responsibility for maintaining property records in Lehigh County falls to the Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds, which operates as a division of the Clerk of Judicial Records.
Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street, Room 122
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 782-3162
Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Lehigh County?
Property records in Lehigh County are public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction. This public access is mandated by both state and federal law, reflecting the fundamental principle that property ownership information must be transparent and available for inspection.
The legal basis for public access to property records in Lehigh County includes:
- Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101) establishes the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted
- Pennsylvania Recording Statute (21 P.S. § 351) requires the recording of property instruments to provide public notice
- Federal Freedom of Information Act principles supporting government transparency
Public access to property records serves several important functions:
- Ensures transparency in land ownership and property transactions
- Protects property rights by allowing verification of ownership claims
- Facilitates real estate transactions by providing reliable ownership information
- Supports property tax assessment and collection processes
- Enables research by historians, genealogists, and other interested parties
Any member of the public may access Lehigh County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This unrestricted access reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership is inherently a matter of public record.
How To Search Property Records in Lehigh County in 2026
Lehigh County offers multiple methods for searching property records, accommodating both in-person and remote access options. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to locate property records:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Lehigh County Records Search Portal
- Select the appropriate search type (name, property address, parcel ID)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the search results and select the desired record
- View basic record information at no charge
- Pay applicable fees for document copies if needed
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form, available at the public counter
- Provide specific search criteria to the records clerk
- Review available records with assistance from staff
- Request copies of relevant documents (fees apply)
Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street, Room 122
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 782-3162
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds
Mail Request Method:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form
- Include specific search criteria (name, property address, document type)
- Enclose the appropriate search and copy fees
- Mail the request to the Recorder of Deeds office
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing and response
Lehigh County currently offers the Record Alert program, a free service that notifies property owners when documents affecting their property are recorded. This service provides an additional layer of protection against fraudulent filings.
How To Find Property Records in Lehigh County Online?
Lehigh County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These systems allow users to search, view, and in some cases, obtain copies of property records remotely. The following online resources are available for accessing Lehigh County property records:
Lehigh County Property Records Search Portal:
- Navigate to the Lehigh County Records Search website
- Create a user account or proceed as a guest user
- Select the desired search type:
- Name Search (grantor/grantee)
- Property Address Search
- Parcel ID Number Search
- Document Type Search
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review search results, which display basic information at no charge
- Purchase and download document copies for a fee
Lehigh County Geographic Information System (GIS):
- Access the Lehigh County GIS Portal
- Select the property search function
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View property information including:
- Current owner
- Property characteristics
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Zoning designation
- Access links to related property documents
Lehigh County Tax Assessment Records:
- Visit the Lehigh County Assessment Office website
- Select the property search function
- Enter search criteria (address, owner name, parcel ID)
- View detailed property assessment information
- Access property tax history and current status
The Record Alert service allows property owners to receive automatic notifications when documents affecting their property are recorded. Registration for this free service can be completed online through the Recorder of Deeds website.
How To Look Up Lehigh County Property Records for Free?
Lehigh County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost. While fees may apply for obtaining certified copies or extensive research assistance, basic property information is available without charge through the following methods:
Free Online Access Options:
-
Lehigh County Property Records Basic Search:
- Visit the Lehigh County Records Search portal
- Use the guest access option (no account required)
- Search by name, address, or parcel ID
- View basic record information at no charge
- Note: Document images and certified copies require payment
-
Lehigh County GIS Mapping System:
- Access the Lehigh County GIS Portal
- Search properties by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and basic ownership information
- Access assessment data and property characteristics
- This service is completely free and requires no registration
-
Lehigh County Tax Portal:
- Visit the Lehigh County Tax Claim Bureau website
- Search properties by address or parcel ID
- View current tax status and payment history
- Access basic ownership information
- No fees for basic information access
Free In-Person Access Options:
- Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds Office:
- Visit during regular business hours
- Use public access terminals at no charge
- Staff assistance for basic searches is provided without fee
- Note: Copy fees apply for document reproduction
Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street, Room 122
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 782-3162
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds
- Lehigh County Law Library:
- Access legal resources and property records research materials
- Use public access computers for online searches
- Obtain research assistance from library staff
- No fees for basic access and research
Lehigh County Law Library
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street, Room 710
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 782-3114
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lehigh County Law Library
The Record Alert program is a free service that notifies property owners when documents affecting their property are recorded, providing an additional layer of security at no cost.
What's Included in a Lehigh County Property Record?
Lehigh County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices and contain detailed information about property ownership, characteristics, and legal status.
Property records in Lehigh County distinguish between:
- Real Property - Land and permanently attached structures (buildings, fixtures)
- Personal Property - Movable assets not permanently affixed to land
The following information is typically included in Lehigh County property records:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner name(s)
- Previous owner history (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description of the property
- Property address
- Lot and block numbers
- Subdivision information
- Survey references
Physical Characteristics:
- Property size (acreage or square footage)
- Building size and dimensions
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms
- Construction type and materials
- Year built
- Improvements and additions
- Utility connections
Financial Information:
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Property tax information
- Property tax relief status
- Special assessment districts
Legal Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Homeowners association information
- Zoning classification
Transaction History:
- Sales history with dates and prices
- Refinancing information
- Property transfers (deeds, quitclaims)
- Foreclosure actions
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 356, all recorded documents must include specific information to be legally valid, including proper acknowledgment, legal description, and grantor/grantee information.
How Long Does Lehigh County Keep Property Records?
Lehigh County maintains property records according to a structured retention schedule that balances historical preservation with practical storage considerations. The retention periods for property records in Lehigh County are governed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's County Records Manual, which establishes minimum retention requirements.
The following retention periods apply to various types of property records in Lehigh County:
Permanent Retention (Indefinite):
- Deed books and records
- Mortgage books and records
- Subdivision plans and plats
- Right-of-way and easement documents
- Condominium declarations
- Property assessment rolls
- Tax maps and property identification systems
- Historic property inventories
Extended Retention (25+ Years):
- Property tax records (25 years)
- Building permits for significant structures (25 years)
- Zoning variance records (25 years)
- Special assessment records (25 years)
- Property condemnation proceedings (25 years)
Medium-Term Retention (7-15 Years):
- Building permits for minor structures (15 years)
- Property inspection reports (10 years)
- Code violation records (10 years)
- Temporary easements (7 years after expiration)
- Building plans for residential structures (7 years)
Short-Term Retention (1-6 Years):
- Routine correspondence regarding properties (3 years)
- Temporary permits (3 years after expiration)
- Property maintenance complaints (3 years after resolution)
- Permit applications that were denied or withdrawn (1 year)
Lehigh County has implemented digital preservation systems to ensure the long-term accessibility of property records. Many historical property records have been digitized and are available through the county's online records portal, while the original documents are preserved in climate-controlled storage facilities.
The county's retention practices comply with Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 16 § 13151-13153, which establishes requirements for county records management programs.
How To Find Liens on Property In Lehigh County?
Liens on property in Lehigh County are recorded in various county offices depending on the type of lien. Members of the public seeking lien information can access these records through several methods. The following procedures outline how to locate different types of liens affecting Lehigh County properties:
General Lien Search Process:
- Prothonotary's Office (Judgment Liens):
- Visit or contact the Lehigh County Prothonotary
- Provide the property owner's name
- Request a judgment search against the individual or entity
- Review judgment index for any recorded judgments
- Note that judgment liens attach to all real property owned by the debtor in the county
Lehigh County Prothonotary
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street, Room 122
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 782-3144
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lehigh County Prothonotary
- Tax Claim Bureau (Tax Liens):
- Search the Lehigh County Tax Claim Bureau records
- Provide the property address or parcel ID number
- Request information on delinquent taxes or tax liens
- Review current tax status and any pending tax sales
Lehigh County Tax Claim Bureau
Lehigh County Government Center
17 South 7th Street
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 782-3119
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Lehigh County Tax Claim Bureau
-
Recorder of Deeds (Mortgage Liens and Municipal Liens):
- Search the Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds records
- Provide the property address or parcel ID number
- Request a search for mortgages, assignments, and satisfactions
- Review municipal lien records for utility, sewer, or water liens
-
Online Lien Search Options:
- Use the Lehigh County Records Search Portal
- Select "Lien Search" from the search options
- Enter property information or owner name
- Review results for various types of recorded liens
- Note that some liens may require searching multiple databases
-
Title Company Search:
- For comprehensive lien searches, consider engaging a title company
- Title companies have access to specialized databases and expertise
- They can provide a complete title report showing all liens and encumbrances
- Fees typically apply for this professional service
The Record Alert service can notify property owners when new liens or other documents affecting their property are recorded, providing an early warning system for unauthorized or fraudulent filings.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Lehigh County?
Lehigh County adheres to specific property ownership regulations that govern how real estate is held, transferred, and managed within the county. These rules are derived from Pennsylvania state law and local ordinances, creating a comprehensive framework for property ownership.
Property Ownership Types:
Lehigh County recognizes several forms of property ownership, each with distinct legal implications:
- Fee Simple Ownership - The most complete form of ownership, granting the owner full rights to use, sell, or transfer the property
- Joint Tenancy - Ownership shared by two or more people with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in Common - Shared ownership without automatic right of survivorship
- Tenancy by the Entirety - Special form of ownership available only to married couples
- Life Estate - Ownership limited to the duration of a person's life
Property Transfer Requirements:
Property transfers in Lehigh County must comply with Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351-356, which establishes:
- All deeds must be in writing
- Proper acknowledgment before a notary public is required
- Recording must occur within 90 days of execution
- Specific formatting requirements for recordable documents
- Transfer tax payment obligations
Property Tax Responsibilities:
Property owners in Lehigh County have specific tax obligations, including:
- Payment of county, municipal, and school district property taxes
- Compliance with tax assessment procedures
- Potential eligibility for homestead exclusions and other tax relief programs
- Responsibility for tax appeals if assessments are disputed
Property Maintenance Requirements:
Lehigh County property owners must adhere to:
- Local municipal codes regarding property maintenance
- Zoning regulations restricting property use
- Building code compliance for structures
- Environmental regulations affecting land use
Property Disclosure Rules:
When selling property in Lehigh County, owners must comply with:
- Pennsylvania's Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law (68 Pa.C.S. § 7301-7315)
- Disclosure of known material defects
- Lead-based paint disclosures for pre-1978 housing
- Flood zone and environmental hazard disclosures
Adverse Possession Provisions:
Pennsylvania law allows for adverse possession claims under specific conditions:
- Continuous, visible, notorious, and hostile possession
- Possession must continue for 21 years
- Payment of property taxes strengthens adverse possession claims
- Specific legal procedures must be followed to perfect title
Property owners in Lehigh County can protect their interests by registering for the Tax Office services and the Record Alert program, which provides notifications when documents affecting their property are recorded.
Lookup Property Records in Lehigh County
Record Alert From the Clerk of Judicial Records
Free record alert program for Lehigh County residents
City Real Estate Tax Information