Multnomah County Property Records
What Is Multnomah County Property Records
Property records in Multnomah 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 the county. Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 205.130, the County Clerk is designated as the official recorder for all property-related documents in Multnomah County.
Property records fulfill several essential functions:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitate real estate transactions
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Document land use restrictions and easements
The Multnomah County Records Management division maintains these vital records, which include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real property interests. These records create what is legally known as "constructive notice" - meaning that once properly recorded, all parties are presumed to have knowledge of the recorded interest, whether or not they have actually reviewed the document.
Multnomah County Clerk's Office - Recording Division
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 175
Portland, OR 97214
503-988-3326
Multnomah County Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In Multnomah County?
Property records in Multnomah County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Oregon law. The Oregon Public Records Law establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records. Specifically, Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.311 to § 192.478 codify the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The public nature of property records is founded on several key principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates commerce and protects property rights
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and the public's right to information.
The County Clerk, as the designated custodian of these records under ORS § 205.130, is required to maintain these records and make them available for public inspection during regular business hours. While the records themselves are public, certain personal information contained within them, such as Social Security numbers, may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections under state and federal law.
How To Search Property Records in Multnomah County in 2026
Multnomah County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following options to access property information:
Online Search Portal:
- Visit the Multnomah County Property Records Search portal
- Enter search criteria such as property address, owner name, or tax account number
- Review search results and select the property of interest
- Access available property record information and documents
- Download or print records as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)
In-Person Research:
- Visit the Multnomah County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Provide specific search criteria to the clerk
- Review records using public terminals or with assistance from staff
- Request copies of relevant documents (fees apply)
Mail or Email Requests:
- Download and complete the official records request form from the county website
- Include specific search criteria and contact information
- Submit the request via mail or email to the County Clerk's Office
- Pay applicable fees as instructed
- Receive requested records via mail or email
Multnomah County Assessment and Taxation Office
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97214
503-988-3326
Multnomah County Assessment and Taxation
Currently, the county charges nominal fees for certain record searches and document copies in accordance with the county fee schedule. Standard processing times for mail and email requests are typically 5-7 business days, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
How To Find Property Records in Multnomah County Online?
Multnomah County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The county's commitment to digital accessibility allows residents and interested parties to conduct thorough property research without visiting county offices.
The primary online resources for property records include:
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PortlandMaps - The official geographic information system for Multnomah County properties
- Enter a property address in the search bar
- View property details, including ownership information, tax assessment data, and zoning information
- Access property maps, aerial photographs, and infrastructure information
- Link to related property documents and permits
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Multnomah County Assessor's Database
- Navigate to the County Assessor's property search portal
- Search by address, tax lot number, or owner name
- Access assessment information, tax history, and property characteristics
- View property tax statements and payment history
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Deed and Document Search
- Visit the Multnomah County deed information portal
- Search by grantor/grantee name, document type, or recording date
- Access digital copies of recorded documents
- View document recording information and legal descriptions
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Multnomah County Maps - Interactive mapping system
- Access property boundary maps and tax lot information
- View zoning designations and land use information
- Examine historical property maps and surveys
- Download map data for personal use
When using these online systems, users should note that while basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for downloading certain documents or requesting certified copies. The county regularly updates these systems to improve functionality and expand the range of available records.
How To Look Up Multnomah County Property Records for Free?
Multnomah County offers several no-cost options for accessing basic property record information. These free resources provide essential property data without requiring payment or subscription fees.
Free property record access options include:
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Public Access Terminals
- Visit the Multnomah County Clerk's Office public research area
- Use dedicated computer terminals to search property records
- Access basic ownership information, property characteristics, and tax data
- View document indexes and summary information
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
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- Use the free public version of PortlandMaps
- Search properties by address or tax lot number
- View basic property information, including:
- Current ownership
- Property tax assessment values
- Zoning designation
- Property dimensions and square footage
- Year built and basic structural information
-
County Assessor's Public Website
- Access the public-facing property tax assessment database
- Search by address, owner name, or tax account number
- View current tax assessment information
- Access property characteristics and classification data
- Review tax levy information and special assessments
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- Access the inventory of available county records
- Identify record types and their locations
- Determine which records are available digitally versus in-person only
While these free options provide substantial information, certain limitations apply. Document images, certified copies, and comprehensive title searches typically require payment of established fees. Additionally, the free access options may not include the most recent updates, which are generally available through the fee-based services or in-person research.
What's Included in a Multnomah County Property Record?
Multnomah County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data related to real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Assessor, Clerk, and Tax Collector, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
Property records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). The county's record-keeping focuses primarily on real property, though certain business personal property is also recorded for tax purposes.
A complete Multnomah County property record typically includes:
Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Trustee's deeds
- Sheriff's deeds from foreclosure sales
- Death certificates affecting joint tenancies
- Court orders establishing ownership
- Probate records transferring property
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Assessment liens
- Child support liens
Property Characteristics:
- Legal description
- Lot size and dimensions
- Structure details (square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms)
- Year built and construction type
- Improvement details and permits
- Zoning designation
Tax Information:
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Tax levy amounts
- Special assessments
- Payment history
- Tax foreclosure status
Land Use Records:
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Environmental designations
- Historic designations
- Land use permits
Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 205.130, the County Clerk must maintain an index of all recorded documents, organized to allow efficient searching by property location, grantor/grantee names, and document type. This indexing system facilitates public access to the complete history of property ownership and encumbrances.
How Long Does Multnomah County Keep Property Records?
Multnomah County maintains property records according to retention schedules established under Oregon state law. The Oregon State Archives oversees these retention requirements, which vary by document type and historical significance.
Key retention periods for property records include:
Permanent Retention:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgage and trust deed records
- Plat maps and surveys
- Subdivision maps
- Condominium declarations
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Historic property designations
- Annexation records
Extended Retention (75+ years):
- Tax assessment rolls
- Property tax records
- Special assessment records
- Zoning change records
- Land use decisions
Medium-Term Retention (15-25 years):
- Building permits
- Temporary easements
- Conditional use permits
- Variance records
- Code enforcement actions
Shorter-Term Retention (7-10 years):
- Temporary tax deferrals
- Short-term land use permits
- Certain property inspection records
- Routine correspondence
The county's retention practices comply with Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 166, Division 150, which establishes minimum retention periods for county records. Many property records, particularly those documenting ownership and permanent encumbrances, are maintained permanently due to their ongoing legal significance.
Historically significant property records may be transferred to the Oregon State Archives for preservation after their active use period ends. These archived records remain accessible to the public through the state archives research facilities.
Digital preservation initiatives have expanded in recent years, with many historical property records being digitized to ensure long-term accessibility and protection from physical deterioration. The county's electronic records management system maintains these digital records according to the same retention schedules that govern paper documents.
How To Find Liens on Property In Multnomah County?
Locating liens on Multnomah County property requires searching multiple record repositories, as different types of liens are recorded with various government agencies. A comprehensive lien search involves checking records at county, state, and federal levels.
To conduct a thorough lien search in Multnomah County:
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County Clerk's Records
- Visit the Multnomah County Clerk's Office in person or access their online records system
- Search by property address, legal description, or property owner name
- Review the following lien categories:
- Mortgage liens and trust deeds
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Assessment liens
- Homeowners association liens
- Child support liens
-
Tax Liens
- Check for property tax liens through the Multnomah County Assessment and Taxation office
- Search the property tax account for:
- Delinquent property taxes
- Special assessment liens
- Local improvement district assessments
- Verify state tax liens with the Oregon Department of Revenue
- Search federal tax liens at the County Clerk's Office
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Utility Liens
- Contact the City of Portland Water Bureau for water/sewer liens
- Check with other utility providers serving the property location
- Verify with local improvement districts for any outstanding assessments
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Court Records
- Search Multnomah County Circuit Court records for judgments against the property owner
- Check U.S. District Court records for federal judgments
- Review bankruptcy court filings that may affect property interests
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Title Company Reports
- Consider ordering a professional title search or preliminary title report
- Title companies maintain comprehensive databases of recorded liens
- Professional searches may identify liens missed in public record searches
When conducting lien searches, it's important to note that some liens attach to the property owner rather than the property itself, but may still affect the property's title. Additionally, certain liens may have priority over others in foreclosure or collection proceedings, as determined by Oregon law and the date of recording.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Multnomah County?
The Property Owner Rule in Multnomah County refers to a set of regulations governing property ownership, responsibilities, and rights within the county's jurisdiction. These rules are established through a combination of state statutes, county ordinances, and local regulations.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Registration Requirements:
- Property owners must record their ownership interest with the Multnomah County Clerk
- Transfers of ownership must be documented through properly executed deeds
- Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 93.040, deeds must contain specific elements to be legally valid
- Foreign ownership of property must comply with state and federal reporting requirements
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax statements are issued by the Multnomah County Assessment and Taxation office
- Property tax payments can be made through the Portland Revenue Online system
- Tax delinquency may result in liens and eventual foreclosure
Land Use Compliance:
- Property owners must adhere to zoning regulations applicable to their property
- Development activities require appropriate permits and approvals
- Historic properties may have additional preservation requirements
- Environmental overlay zones impose special development restrictions
Maintenance Responsibilities:
- Property owners must maintain their property in compliance with county codes
- Nuisance conditions must be promptly addressed
- Sidewalks adjacent to the property must be maintained by the owner
- Vegetation management requirements apply, particularly in wildfire interface areas
Disclosure Requirements:
- When selling property, owners must disclose known material defects
- Certain environmental conditions require specific disclosures
- Lead-based paint disclosures are required for pre-1978 housing
- Flood zone status must be disclosed to potential buyers
The Property Owner Rule also addresses special situations such as abandoned properties, tax-foreclosed properties, and properties in unincorporated areas of the county. The Multnomah County Tax Title program manages properties that have been foreclosed due to unpaid property taxes, including procedures for redemption and disposition.
Property owners should consult with the appropriate county departments regarding specific regulations affecting their property, as rules may vary based on location, zoning designation, and property characteristics.
Lookup Property Records in Multnomah County
County Records Guide - Multnomah County
How to find Multnomah County deed information