Search Public Records
San Bernardino Public Records /San Bernardino County Property Records

San Bernardino County Property Records

What Is San Bernardino County Property Records

San Bernardino County property records are official documents that contain information about real estate properties within the county. These records include details about property ownership, transaction history, assessed values, tax information, and legal descriptions. The records are maintained by the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's office, which is responsible for assessing property values, recording property transactions, and maintaining public records.

San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's Office 222 W. Hospitality Lane, First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0018

Are Property Records Public Information In San Bernardino County?

Yes, property records in San Bernardino County are considered public information under California law. This means that any individual can access these records without having to provide a reason for their request. The California Public Records Act ensures that government records, including property records, are accessible to the public to promote transparency and accountability in government operations.

There are some exceptions to public access, particularly for records that contain sensitive personal information or are protected by privacy laws. However, most property-related documents, such as deeds, liens, and assessment information, are available for public inspection.

How To Search Property Records in San Bernardino County in 2025

To search property records in San Bernardino County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Visit the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's office in person to access physical records and receive assistance from staff.

  2. Use the county's online property information portal, which allows you to search by address, parcel number, or owner name.

  3. Request records by mail by submitting a written request to the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's office.

  4. Use third-party services that aggregate property data, though these may charge fees and might not have the most up-to-date information.

For the most current and accurate information, it's recommended to use the official county resources either in person or through their official website.

How To Find Property Records in San Bernardino County Online?

Finding property records online in San Bernardino County is straightforward:

  1. Visit the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's official website.

  2. Navigate to the "Property Information" section, which provides access to the property database.

  3. Search using one of the following criteria:

    • Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
    • Property address
    • Owner name (in some cases)
  4. Review the search results, which typically include basic property information such as assessed value, property characteristics, and ownership details.

  5. For more detailed records like deeds or liens, use the "Official Records" section of the website, which may require additional steps or fees for document retrieval.

The county's online system is regularly updated to improve user experience and provide more comprehensive access to property records.

Can You Look Up San Bernardino County Property Records for Free?

Yes, you can look up basic property records in San Bernardino County for free. The county provides free online access to certain property information through their official website. This includes:

  • Property ownership information
  • Assessed values
  • Property characteristics
  • Tax information
  • Parcel maps

However, there may be fees associated with:

  • Obtaining certified copies of documents
  • Accessing historical records that aren't available online
  • Requesting large volumes of data
  • Specialized searches or research assistance

San Bernardino County Tax Collector's Office 268 West Hospitality Lane, First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0360

What's Included in a San Bernardino County Property Record?

A typical San Bernardino County property record includes:

  1. Property Identification:

    • Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
    • Legal description
    • Property address
  2. Ownership Information:

    • Current owner's name
    • Previous owners (chain of title)
    • Dates of ownership transfers
  3. Property Characteristics:

    • Lot size
    • Building size
    • Year built
    • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
    • Construction type
    • Zoning information
  4. Financial Information:

    • Assessed value
    • Property tax amounts
    • Tax exemptions
    • Sale prices and dates
  5. Legal Documents:

    • Deeds
    • Mortgages
    • Liens
    • Easements
    • Restrictions
  6. Additional Information:

    • Building permits
    • Property tax status
    • Special assessments
    • Williamson Act contracts (for agricultural properties)

How Long Does San Bernardino County Keep Property Records?

San Bernardino County maintains property records indefinitely for most types of documents. The county has records dating back to its formation in 1853, though the accessibility and format of these records vary:

  • Recent records (typically from the 1980s forward) are generally available in digital format and can be accessed online.
  • Older records may be stored in microfilm, microfiche, or physical formats and might require in-person visits to access.
  • The county's Assessment Roll information is available from 1978 to the present.

The Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's office continually works to digitize older records to improve accessibility, but some historical documents may still only be available in physical form at the county archives.

San Bernardino County Archives 1808 Commercenter West, San Bernardino, CA 92408

How To Find Liens on Property In San Bernardino County?

To find liens on property in San Bernardino County:

  1. Search the Official Records Index:

    • Visit the Recorder's section of the county website
    • Use the Official Records search function
    • Search by property address or Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
    • Filter results to show only liens or encumbrances
  2. Visit the County Recorder's Office:

    • Request a property profile or lien search
    • Staff can assist with navigating complex searches
  3. Check with Specific Agencies:

    • Tax Collector's Office for tax liens
    • County Clerk's Office for judgment liens
    • Building and Safety Department for code enforcement liens
  4. Consider a Title Search:

    • Professional title companies can conduct comprehensive lien searches
    • This is the most thorough option but typically involves fees

Common types of liens you might find include tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and mortgage liens.

What Is Property Owner Rule In San Bernardino County?

The Property Owner Rule in San Bernardino County refers to regulations governing property ownership rights and responsibilities. Key aspects include:

  1. Disclosure Requirements:

    • Property owners must disclose known defects when selling property
    • This includes structural issues, hazards, and other material facts
  2. Property Tax Responsibilities:

    • Owners are responsible for paying property taxes on time
    • Failure to pay can result in penalties, interest, and eventually tax liens
  3. Property Maintenance:

    • Owners must maintain their property in compliance with county codes
    • This includes addressing health and safety hazards
  4. Transfer of Ownership:

    • All property transfers must be properly recorded with the County Recorder
    • Unrecorded transfers may create title problems
  5. Assessment Appeals:

    • Property owners have the right to appeal their property tax assessments
    • Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes

San Bernardino County Assessment Appeals Board 385 North Arrowhead Avenue, First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0130

The county provides resources to help property owners understand their rights and responsibilities, including informational materials available through the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's office.

Lookup Property Records in San Bernardino County

For comprehensive access to San Bernardino County property records, the following resources are available: