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 maintained by the County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's office that contain detailed information about real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records document the history of ownership, physical characteristics, and valuation of all parcels of land and structures within San Bernardino County. Property records serve as the official legal documentation of real estate ownership and transactions.

The San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk maintains these records pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code § 401-534 and Government Code § 27201-27297.7. The records include:

Deeds and title documents
Property tax assessment information
Parcel maps and boundaries
Building permits and improvements
Property tax payment history
Liens and encumbrances
Easements and rights-of-way

San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk
222 West Hospitality Lane, First Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0018
(909) 387-8307
San Bernardino County Assessor

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.

Are Property Records Public Information In San Bernardino County?

Property records in San Bernardino County are considered public information in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records, with certain exceptions for privacy and security.

Members of the public may access the following property record information:

Property ownership history
Sales and transfer information
Assessment values
Property characteristics
Tax information
Recorded documents such as deeds, liens, and easements

However, certain information may be redacted or restricted from public access, including:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Information protected by court order
Records related to certain law enforcement or judicial personnel

The Property Information Management System provides public access to property records while maintaining compliance with privacy laws. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(a), public records are open to inspection during regular office hours of the county agency.

How To Search Property Records in San Bernardino County in 2025

San Bernardino County offers multiple methods for searching property records in 2025. The County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk has implemented enhanced systems to facilitate public access to these records.

To conduct a property records search, individuals may utilize the following methods:

Online Search Portal: The Assessor's Parcel Access application provides comprehensive search capabilities using:
- Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Property address
- Owner name
- Interactive map interface
In-Person Research: Individuals may visit the county offices to conduct research with assistance from staff:

San Bernardino County Hall of Records
222 West Hospitality Lane
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0018
(909) 387-8307

High Desert Government Center
15900 Smoke Tree Street
Hesperia, CA 92345
(760) 995-8065
Mail or Phone Requests: Written requests for property information may be submitted to the main office address. Basic information may be provided via telephone during regular business hours.

When searching property records, requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the property in question. Pursuant to California Government Code § 27361, fees may apply for certain record searches and document copies.

How To Find Property Records in San Bernardino County Online?

San Bernardino County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These systems allow for efficient research without the need to visit county offices in person.

The primary online resources for accessing property records include:

Property Information Management System (PIMS): This system provides detailed property information including ownership, assessment values, and property characteristics. Users can access PIMS through the official county portal.
Assessor's Parcel Access: This interactive mapping application allows users to search for properties visually and access property data. The system is available through the Assessor Property Information webpage.
Recorder's Index: For historical property records and document research, the Recorder's Index provides access to official records dating back to 1958.
Self-Service Portal: The San Bernardino County Public Access System allows users to search for recorded documents, including deeds, liens, and other property-related filings.

To conduct an effective online search, users should have one or more of the following pieces of information:

Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
Property address
Owner name
Document recording number
Document recording date

Pursuant to California Government Code § 27366, certain online services may require registration or payment of statutory fees for document copies or certified records.

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

San Bernardino County provides both free and fee-based options for accessing property records. Basic property information is available at no cost, while more detailed documents or certified copies typically require payment of statutory fees.

Free property record services include:

Basic property information through the Property Information Management System
Property ownership verification
Assessment value lookup
Property characteristics and tax rate area information
Parcel map viewing through the Assessor Property Information interactive map

Fee-based services include:

Certified copies of recorded documents ($2.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee)
Document recording ($14.00 for the first page, $3.00 for each additional page)
Bulk data requests or specialized research services
Copies of maps and other large-format documents

The San Bernardino County Treasurer-Tax Collector also provides free access to property tax information through their online portal. This service allows property owners and interested parties to verify tax payment status and amounts due.

Pursuant to California Government Code § 27366 and § 27361, fees for property record services are established by state law and county ordinance.

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

San Bernardino County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk in accordance with California state law.

A typical property record includes the following components:

Ownership Information:
- Current property owner(s) name
- Vesting (how title is held)
- Date of acquisition
- Transfer document information
Property Characteristics:
- Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Legal description
- Lot size and dimensions
- Structure details (square footage, number of rooms, year built)
- Building permits and improvements
- Zoning classification
Valuation and Tax Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Property tax amount
- Tax rate area
- Special assessments or bonds
- Tax exemptions (if applicable)
Recorded Documents:
- Deeds (grant, quitclaim, trust)
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and covenants
- Maps and surveys

The Property Research services provided by the county allow access to these records in accordance with California Government Code § 6253, which establishes the public's right to inspect public records during regular business hours.

How Long Does San Bernardino County Keep Property Records?

San Bernardino County maintains property records permanently in accordance with California Government Code § 26205.1 and § 27322-27325. The retention of these records ensures the continuous documentation of property ownership and characteristics throughout the county's history.

The county's record retention practices include:

Permanent Records: All recorded documents related to real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and maps, are maintained permanently. These records date back to the county's formation in 1853.
Digital Conversion: The county has digitized many historical records for preservation and easier access. The Recorder's Index provides searchable access to documents from 1958 to the present.
Archival Storage: Older records are maintained in climate-controlled archival facilities to ensure their preservation. These records may require special handling and advance notice for public inspection.
Microfilm Backup: As an additional preservation measure, many historical records have been microfilmed and are available for research at the County Archives.

For research of historical property records, individuals may contact:

San Bernardino County Archives
222 West Hospitality Lane, First Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0018
(909) 387-8307

The California State Archives also maintains certain historical records related to land grants and early property transactions that predate county formation.

How To Find Liens on Property In San Bernardino County?

Liens on property in San Bernardino County are recorded as public documents and can be researched through several official channels. These encumbrances may include tax liens, mechanics' liens, judgment liens, or other claims against property.

To locate liens on San Bernardino County property, interested parties may:

Search the Recorder's Index: The Official Public Records system allows users to search for recorded liens by property address, owner name, or Assessor's Parcel Number (APN).
Use the Self-Service Portal: The San Bernardino County Public Access System provides online access to recorded documents, including various types of liens.
Check Tax Records: For tax liens specifically, the Treasurer-Tax Collector's website provides information about delinquent taxes and tax defaulted properties.
Conduct an In-Person Search: Visit the County Recorder's office to request a property profile that includes liens and encumbrances:

San Bernardino County Recorder's Office
222 West Hospitality Lane, First Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0018
(909) 387-8306
Request a Title Search: Professional title companies can provide comprehensive lien searches for a fee.

Pursuant to California Government Code § 27297.6, certain liens, including mechanics' liens and judgment liens, expire after specified time periods unless renewed. Tax liens generally remain in effect until satisfied or discharged through legal processes.

What Is Property Owner Rule In San Bernardino County?

The Property Owner Rule in San Bernardino County refers to the legal principles and regulations governing property ownership rights and responsibilities. These rules are established through California state law, county ordinances, and case law precedents.

Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:

Disclosure Requirements: Pursuant to California Civil Code § 1102-1102.17, property owners must disclose material facts affecting property value when selling real estate, including known defects, hazards, and legal issues.
Property Tax Obligations: Under California Revenue and Taxation Code § 405, property owners are responsible for paying property taxes based on the assessed value determined by the County Assessor. The California Board of Equalization provides oversight of property tax administration.
Assessment Appeals: Property owners have the right to appeal their property's assessed value through the Assessment Appeals Board if they believe the valuation is incorrect, as provided in Revenue and Taxation Code § 1601-1645.
Tax Relief Programs: Certain property owners may qualify for tax relief programs, including the Property Tax Postponement Program administered by the State Controller's Office for seniors, blind individuals, or those with disabilities.
Property Maintenance: Property owners must maintain their properties in compliance with county codes and ordinances, including those related to health, safety, and nuisance abatement.
Access Rights: Property owners have the right to control access to their property, subject to easements, rights-of-way, and other recorded encumbrances.

For specific questions regarding property owner rights and responsibilities, property owners may contact:

San Bernardino County Land Use Services
385 North Arrowhead Avenue, First Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0187
(909) 387-8311

Lookup Property Records in San Bernardino County

Property Information Management System

Assessor Property Information

San Bernardino County Assessor

Property Research Services

Official Public Records Search

Self-Service Property Records Portal

Treasurer-Tax Collector Property Tax Information

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