DeKalb County Public Records /DeKalb County Property Records

DeKalb County Property Records

What Is DeKalb County Property Records

DeKalb County property records constitute official government documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within DeKalb County, Georgia. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and transactions throughout the county's jurisdiction.

Property records in DeKalb County fulfill several essential functions:

Establish legal ownership through documentation of the chain of title
Provide public notice of property interests and claims
Protect property rights of owners and interested parties
Facilitate real estate transactions by providing verification of ownership
Support property taxation and assessment processes
Enable mortgage lending through title verification

Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-2-1, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting the title to lands must be recorded in the office of the clerk of the superior court of the county where the land is located. This statutory requirement establishes the legal framework for DeKalb County's property recording system.

The DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department maintains comprehensive records of all real property within the county boundaries, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties. These records contain detailed information about property characteristics, ownership history, and valuation for tax purposes.

Are Property Records Public Information In DeKalb County?

Property records in DeKalb County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Georgia law. The Georgia Open Records Act, codified as Georgia Code § 50-18-70, establishes that public records, including property records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia.

The public nature of property records is founded upon several legal and practical principles:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record to establish clear title
Georgia recording statutes require public access to property documents
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by preventing fraud
Public access facilitates legitimate real estate transactions and property research

Any member of the public may access DeKalb County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy applies to all property records maintained by county offices, including the Clerk of Superior Court and the Property Appraisal Department.

The DeKalb County government maintains these records as a public service and provides multiple methods for citizens to access this information, both in person and through online platforms. While the records themselves are public, certain personal information contained within them may be redacted in accordance with privacy provisions of Georgia law.

How To Search Property Records in DeKalb County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search DeKalb County property records currently have multiple methods available. The county maintains comprehensive systems for property record searches that accommodate both in-person and remote inquiries.

For in-person searches, individuals may visit:

DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court
556 N. McDonough Street, Ground Floor
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2836
DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court

Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

When conducting an in-person search, the following steps apply:

Complete a records request form available at the public counter
Provide specific property information (address, parcel number, or owner name)
Submit the request to the records clerk
Review available records on public terminals or request paper copies
Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents

For online searches, DeKalb County offers a comprehensive property records portal through the Landmark Web Official Records Search system. This platform allows users to search by:

Property owner name
Property address
Parcel identification number
Document type and recording date
Book and page number

The online search process involves:

Accessing the county's official records search portal
Selecting the appropriate search criteria
Entering the relevant search terms
Reviewing the search results
Viewing or downloading available documents

For property valuation and tax assessment records, the DeKalb County Property Appraisal website provides a dedicated search interface. Users can access property cards, tax assessment information, and property characteristics through this system.

How To Find Property Records in DeKalb County Online?

DeKalb County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official digital platforms. These systems allow for efficient searching of various property-related documents and information.

The primary online resources for DeKalb County property records include:

The Landmark Web Official Records Search system provides access to recorded documents including:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and security deeds
- Liens and encumbrances
- Plats and surveys
- Tax documents
To use this system:
- Select the desired search type (name, document type, etc.)
- Enter relevant search criteria
- Review the results list
- Select documents to view or download
- Pay any applicable fees for document copies
The DeKalb County Property Appraisal website offers:
- Property assessment records
- Tax valuation information
- Property characteristics and improvements
- Sales history
- Tax district information
This system allows searches by:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel ID number
- Map location
The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner website provides:
- Current and historical tax bills
- Payment status
- Tax sale information
- Property tax exemption status

When using these online systems, users should note that while basic search functions are free, fees may apply for downloading or printing certain documents. Additionally, pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-96, certain personal information may be redacted from publicly accessible online records.

How To Look Up DeKalb County Property Records for Free?

DeKalb County offers several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources provide basic property information without requiring payment for initial searches.

Free property record access is available through:

The DeKalb County Property Appraisal website provides free access to:
- Property ownership information
- Property characteristics (size, zoning, improvements)
- Assessment values
- Recent sales data
- Tax district information
This resource is particularly useful for:
- Homeowners researching their own property
- Potential buyers researching properties of interest
- Real estate professionals conducting market research
- Researchers studying property trends
In-person terminal access at:

DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department
1300 Commerce Drive, 3rd Floor
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-0841
DeKalb County Property Appraisal

Public terminal hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Public library access:

DeKalb County Public Library - Decatur Branch
215 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 370-3070
DeKalb County Public Library

Library hours vary; please check website for current schedule

While basic searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for:

Printed copies of documents (typically $0.10-$1.00 per page)
Certified copies of official records ($2.50-$10.00 per document)
Research assistance from county staff ($15.00-$30.00 per hour)
Bulk data requests or specialized reports

Under Georgia Code § 50-18-71, government agencies are permitted to charge reasonable fees to cover the cost of record retrieval and reproduction, but basic inspection of records must be provided without charge.

What's Included in a DeKalb County Property Record?

DeKalb County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data related to real and personal property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.

Real property records, which pertain to land and permanently attached structures, include:

Deeds and conveyances documenting ownership transfers
Mortgages and security instruments
Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
Easements and rights-of-way
Restrictive covenants and conditions
Plats and surveys
Property tax assessments
Building permits and certificates of occupancy

Personal property records, covering movable assets subject to taxation, include:

Business equipment and fixtures
Machinery and tools
Inventory
Mobile homes (when not permanently affixed)
Aircraft and boats

A typical DeKalb County property record contains detailed information such as:

Legal description of the property
Parcel identification number
Current and historical ownership information
Purchase price and date of acquisition
Mortgage and financing details
Property dimensions and acreage
Building characteristics (square footage, construction type, year built)
Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
Improvement details and renovation history
Assessed value for tax purposes
Tax exemption status
Zoning classification
Flood zone designation
School and tax districts

Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-2-25, all property records must meet specific requirements for format, content, and indexing to be properly recorded and maintained in the county's official records.

How Long Does DeKalb County Keep Property Records?

DeKalb County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act and the Georgia Archives' records management program. These retention periods ensure the preservation of essential property documentation while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.

The retention periods for various property records in DeKalb County include:

Deeds and property transfers: Permanent retention
Mortgages and security instruments: 7 years after satisfaction or cancellation
Tax liens: 7 years after release or expiration
Mechanic's liens: 7 years after satisfaction or expiration
Judgments affecting real property: 7 years after satisfaction or expiration
Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
Property tax records: 7 years for general records; permanent for tax rolls
Building permits: Life of the structure plus 3 years
Property appraisal records: Current plus previous 3 reappraisal cycles
Zoning decisions affecting property: Permanent retention

The Georgia Records Act, codified in Georgia Code § 50-18-90 through § 50-18-103, mandates that county governments establish and follow records retention schedules approved by the State Records Committee. DeKalb County adheres to these requirements through its records management program.

Historical property records of permanent value are preserved through:

Digital conversion and electronic storage
Climate-controlled physical storage for original documents
Microfilm backup of essential records
Regular maintenance and preservation activities

Records that have met their retention requirements and have no historical value may be destroyed in accordance with approved disposition procedures. However, the county maintains a permanent digital archive of all property ownership records dating back to the county's establishment in 1822.

How To Find Liens on Property In DeKalb County?

Locating liens on DeKalb County property requires searching specific record types maintained by various county departments. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred.

To conduct a comprehensive lien search in DeKalb County, interested parties should check the following records:

Tax Liens:

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office
4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100
Decatur, GA 30032
(404) 298-4000
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner

Search methods:
- Online tax records search by property address or parcel ID
- In-person request at the Tax Commissioner's Office
- Written request with property information
Judgment Liens:

DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court
556 N. McDonough Street, Ground Floor
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2836
DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court

Search methods:
- Landmark Web Official Records Search using the property owner's name
- General Execution Docket (GED) search at the courthouse
- Third-party title search services
Mechanic's and Materialmen's Liens:

These liens are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court and can be searched through:
- Landmark Web Official Records Search by document type
- In-person search at the courthouse
- Professional title search services
Code Enforcement Liens:

DeKalb County Code Enforcement
330 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-3237
DeKalb County Code Enforcement

Search methods:
- Property address search through Code Enforcement
- Records request to the department
- Verification through the Clerk's office where liens are recorded
Utility Liens:

DeKalb County Watershed Management
1580 Roadhaven Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(404) 371-3000
DeKalb County Watershed Management

Search methods:
- Account search with the department
- Property address verification
- Written request for lien verification

Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-14-320, various types of liens have different priority and perfection requirements. A comprehensive lien search should include all potential lien types to ensure complete information about encumbrances on the property.

What Is Property Owner Rule In DeKalb County?

The Property Owner Rule in DeKalb County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the county. These rules are derived from Georgia state law, DeKalb County ordinances, and established legal precedents.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:

Ownership Registration Requirements:
- All property transfers must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court
- Deeds must contain specific information pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-5-30
- Property owners must register with the Tax Commissioner's Office
- Changes in ownership must be reported within 90 days
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for annual property tax payments
- Tax bills are issued to the owner of record as of January 1
- Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the obligation to pay
- Unpaid taxes become a lien against the property
Property Maintenance Requirements:
- Owners must maintain properties in compliance with county codes
- Violations may result in citations, fines, or liens
- Absentee owners must designate a local agent for code compliance
- Abandoned properties are subject to special maintenance requirements
Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must disclose known material defects
- Property in special tax districts requires specific disclosures
- Properties in flood zones require flood hazard disclosure
- Historic district properties have additional disclosure requirements
Development Restrictions:
- Zoning ordinances limit property use and development
- Building permits required for structural modifications
- Setback requirements and height restrictions apply
- Environmental protection ordinances may limit land disturbance

The DeKalb County Property Owner Rule is enforced through various county departments, including:

DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department
330 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue, 3rd Floor
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2155
DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability

Property owners seeking clarification on specific rules should consult with the appropriate county department or seek legal advice regarding their particular circumstances.

Lookup Property Records in DeKalb County

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