Genesee County Property Records
What Is Genesee County Property Records
Genesee County property records are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within Genesee County, Michigan. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property rights and interests throughout the county. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the county register of deeds to provide constructive notice to the public.
The primary purposes of Genesee County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and development
The Genesee County Register of Deeds maintains these official property records, which date back to the county's formation. The records document the history of land ownership and development throughout the county, providing essential information for property owners, potential buyers, real estate professionals, and government agencies.
Genesee County Register of Deeds
900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 103
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3060
Genesee County Register of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Genesee County?
Property records in Genesee County are public information, accessible to all citizens in accordance with Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (MCL § 15.231 et seq.) and specific property recording statutes. The public nature of these records is fundamental to Michigan's system of property rights and real estate transactions.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Michigan's recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by facilitating informed real estate transactions
- Public records promote certainty in property rights and help prevent fraud
- Historical precedent establishing property ownership as a matter of public record
Any member of the public may access Genesee County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy supports the integrity of the real estate market and property rights system within the county.
The Genesee County Clerk/Register of Deeds maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person services and online access systems. While basic access to records is free, certain services such as obtaining certified copies or extensive research assistance may involve fees as established by Michigan law and county ordinances.
How To Search Property Records in Genesee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search Genesee County property records may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The following procedures outline the process for conducting property record searches:
In-Person Search:
- Visit the Genesee County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form available at the public counter
- Provide specific property information such as address, owner name, or parcel number
- Staff will assist in locating relevant records in the county's system
- Review documents on-site using available terminals or request printed copies (fees apply)
Mail or Email Requests:
- Download and complete the official records request form from the county website
- Include specific property information and the type of records sought
- Submit the request with appropriate payment for any applicable fees
- Mail to: Genesee County Register of Deeds, 900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 103, Flint, MI 48502
- Or email to the address provided on the county website
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing and response
Phone Requests:
- Contact the Genesee County Register of Deeds at (810) 257-3060
- Provide specific property information to the staff member
- Staff can verify basic information over the phone
- For document copies, follow up with a written request
For complex searches or historical records, the county recommends scheduling an appointment with research staff who can provide specialized assistance. All search methods require specific property identifiers to ensure accurate results.
How To Find Property Records in Genesee County Online?
Genesee County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms maintained by county departments. The following steps outline how to effectively search for property records using these online resources:
- Access the Genesee County Real Property Official Records Search portal
- Create a free user account or log in as a guest user (account creation provides additional search features)
- Select the desired search method:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Document number
- Parcel identification number
- Document type and date range
- Enter the relevant search criteria and submit the query
- Review the list of matching records displayed in the results page
- Select specific documents to view detailed information
- Download, print, or save electronic copies as needed (fees may apply for certain document types)
For property tax and assessment records, users should utilize the Genesee County Equalization Department website, which provides:
- Current and historical property tax information
- Assessment values and classification
- Property characteristics and improvements
- Land parcel maps and boundaries
- Tax payment status
The Land Records Section of the Equalization Department maintains additional online resources for property divisions, combinations, and parcel number assignments.
Genesee County Equalization Department
1101 Beach Street, Room 103
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3012
Genesee County Equalization Department
How To Look Up Genesee County Property Records for Free?
Genesee County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources allow residents and interested parties to obtain essential property information without incurring fees:
Free Online Resources:
- The Genesee County Register of Deeds offers limited free searches of property records through their guest access portal
- Basic property information including owner name, property address, and parcel number is available without charge
- The Genesee County Treasurer's Office provides free access to tax payment status and delinquent tax information
- Municipal websites within Genesee County often provide free access to local property tax information, such as the City of Davison and Genesee Township
Free In-Person Access:
- Visit the Genesee County Register of Deeds public terminals during regular business hours
- Public computer stations are available for self-service searching at no charge
- Staff can provide basic assistance with navigating the search system
- View documents on-screen at no cost (printing or certified copies incur fees)
Free Telephone Information:
- Call the Register of Deeds office at (810) 257-3060
- Request verification of basic property information
- Staff can confirm recorded documents and provide limited details
While basic access is free, users should be aware that fees apply for:
- Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus page fees)
- Extended research assistance ($25.00 per hour after first 30 minutes)
- Bulk data requests or commercial use of records
Genesee County Treasurer's Office
1101 Beach Street, Room 104
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3054
Genesee County Treasurer's Office
What's Included in a Genesee County Property Record?
Genesee County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) in accordance with Michigan Compiled Laws § 211.2.
Property records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation:
Deed Records and Ownership Documents:
- Warranty deeds establishing transfer of ownership
- Quitclaim deeds releasing interest in property
- Land contracts documenting seller-financed purchases
- Trustee's deeds transferring property from trusts
- Sheriff's deeds resulting from foreclosure sales
- Death certificates and probate documents affecting title
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Construction liens and mechanics' liens
- Tax liens (federal, state, and local)
- Judgment liens from court proceedings
- Child support liens
- Utility liens and special assessments
Property Description Documents:
- Legal descriptions of property boundaries
- Subdivision plats and condominium plans
- Surveys and boundary adjustments
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants and deed restrictions
Assessment and Taxation Records:
- Property tax assessment values
- Tax classification (residential, commercial, agricultural)
- Tax payment history and status
- Special assessment districts
- Property tax exemptions
Additional Information:
- Property characteristics (square footage, bedrooms, etc.)
- Building permits and improvements
- Zoning classifications
- Flood zone designations
- Environmental restrictions or contamination notices
The Land Records Section of the Genesee County Equalization Department maintains parcel identification numbers and processes property divisions and combinations, ensuring accurate tracking of all land parcels within the county.
How Long Does Genesee County Keep Property Records?
Genesee County maintains property records in perpetuity for most essential documents related to real property ownership and transfers. This retention policy complies with Michigan's Records Retention and Disposal Schedule, as established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget under authority of MCL § 399.811.
The retention periods for various property-related documents are as follows:
Permanent Retention (Indefinite):
- Deeds and conveyances of real property
- Mortgage and lien documents
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Property indexes and grantor-grantee indexes
- Tax assessment rolls (permanent record copy)
- Land division and combination records
Extended Retention (20+ Years):
- Tax foreclosure records (20 years after final disposition)
- Special assessment records (20 years after final payment)
- Building permits for major structures (life of structure)
- Zoning variance records (20 years)
Medium-Term Retention (7-15 Years):
- Tax payment records (15 years)
- Delinquent tax records (7 years after resolution)
- Temporary easements (7 years after expiration)
- Building permits for minor improvements (7 years)
Short-Term Retention (1-6 Years):
- Property record search requests (1 year)
- Routine correspondence (2 years)
- Fee collection records (6 years)
Historical property records dating back to the county's formation are preserved through both original documents and microfilm/digital conversion. The Genesee County Register of Deeds has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to ensure the preservation and accessibility of these historical records.
While most property records are retained permanently, certain supporting documentation may be subject to disposal after prescribed retention periods. The county follows state-mandated procedures for any authorized destruction of records.
How To Find Liens on Property In Genesee County?
Locating liens and encumbrances on Genesee County properties requires searching specific records maintained by various government offices. The following procedures outline the most effective methods for identifying liens on real property:
Register of Deeds Search:
- Access the Genesee County Register of Deeds online search portal
- Enter the property address or parcel number
- Select "Lien" as the document type filter
- Review results for recorded liens, including:
- Mortgage liens
- Construction/mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax liens
County Treasurer Search:
- Contact the Genesee County Treasurer's Office at (810) 257-3054
- Provide the property address or parcel number
- Request information on:
- Delinquent property taxes
- Tax foreclosure status
- Special assessment liens
- Delinquent real property tax information
Circuit Court Records:
- Visit the Genesee County Circuit Court Clerk
- Search judgment records by property owner name
- Identify any court judgments that may constitute liens
Municipal Searches:
- Contact the specific municipality where the property is located
- Request information on:
- Local tax liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Utility liens
- Special assessments
Professional Title Search:
For comprehensive lien searches, property owners or buyers may wish to engage a professional title company to conduct a thorough title examination, which will identify all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting the property.
Genesee County Circuit Court
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3220
Genesee County Circuit Court
What Is Property Owner Rule In Genesee County?
The Property Owner Rule in Genesee County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, transfers, and responsibilities within the county. These rules are established through Michigan state law, county ordinances, and local municipal regulations.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements:
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.29, all instruments affecting real estate must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice to third parties. Unrecorded conveyances are void against subsequent purchasers in good faith who record first.
Property Tax Responsibilities:
Property owners in Genesee County are legally obligated to:
- Pay property taxes by established deadlines
- Notify the Genesee County Treasurer of address changes
- Address delinquent property taxes before foreclosure proceedings
- Apply for applicable exemptions within statutory timeframes
Property Division Regulations:
The Land Records Section of Genesee County enforces Michigan's Land Division Act (MCL § 560.101 et seq.), which:
- Regulates the division of parcels
- Requires county approval for property splits
- Establishes minimum lot sizes and access requirements
- Mandates proper documentation of all divisions
Disclosure Requirements:
Michigan law requires property owners to disclose known material defects when selling property, including:
- Structural issues
- Environmental hazards
- Boundary disputes
- Flooding or drainage problems
- Zoning violations
Adverse Possession:
Under Michigan law, a person may acquire title to another's property through adverse possession by demonstrating:
- Actual possession for 15 years
- Open, notorious, and visible use
- Exclusive and continuous occupation
- Hostile to the owner's rights
Property owners must understand these rules to effectively protect their interests and comply with legal requirements. The county provides resources through the Equalization Department to assist property owners in understanding their rights and responsibilities.
Lookup Property Records in Genesee County
Online Records Search for Real Property
Municipality Information and Property Assessment Records
Genesee County Treasurer's Property Tax Information
Land Records and Parcel Information
Delinquent Real Property Tax Information
City of Davison Property Tax Information
Genesee Township Treasurer's Office