Sullivan County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Sullivan County in 2026
SullivanCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Sullivan County. Members of the public may use this resource to locate data associated with ownership history, recorded documents, tax assessments, and related property information. Record categories available through official channels include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, tax bills, and property appraisal data. Information found through public databases may not reflect the most recent transactions or filings.
Property records in Sullivan County may be searched through several official resources maintained by county government agencies. The primary repositories include the Sullivan County Clerk's Office, the Sullivan County Real Property Tax Services, and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Each office maintains distinct categories of records and provides separate access methods.
Official Resources for Searching Property Records:
- Sullivan County Clerk's Office — recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Sullivan County Real Property Tax Services — assessment rolls, property characteristics, and tax maps
- New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services — statewide assessment data and exemption information
1. Property Appraiser Website
Sullivan County's Real Property Tax Services office serves as the primary resource for property assessment information. The public may access the county's online property search portal at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID (SBL number)
- By subdivision or municipality
- By map/GIS location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel/SBL number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Sullivan County Real Property Tax Services portal
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the specific property to view the full property card
- Access assessment data, sales history, and map location
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk Official Records Search
The Sullivan County Clerk maintains the official index of recorded documents affecting real property. Basic search access is available to the public.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
How to Search:
- Access the Sullivan County Clerk's recorded documents index
- Select the appropriate search type
- Enter grantor/grantee names, document type, or date range
- Review the results and identify the relevant document
- Click to view document images where available online
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
3. Tax Collector Website
The Sullivan County Treasurer's Office administers property tax collection and maintains tax payment records accessible to the public.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel/SBL number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill amounts
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing jurisdiction
- Delinquent tax information
- Payment options and installment plan status
4. GIS / Mapping System
Sullivan County maintains an interactive GIS mapping system that allows visual property searches with layered geographic data.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the property location
- Click on a parcel to view linked property information
- Access property boundaries, zoning layers, and flood zone designations
- View aerial photography and environmental features
- Measure distances and view multiple data layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches:
Sullivan County Real Property Tax Services
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0221
Sullivan County Real Property Tax Services
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, tax maps, and exemption application processing.
Sullivan County Clerk's Office
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0411
Sullivan County Clerk
Members of the public may view official records, request certified copies, search grantor/grantee indexes, and access record books with staff assistance.
Sullivan County Treasurer's Office
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0200
Sullivan County Treasurer
Services include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests:
Property Appraiser (Real Property Tax Services):
- Mailing address: Sullivan County Real Property Tax Services, 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
- Include the property address or SBL parcel number in the request
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Copying fees may apply per page
Clerk / Recorder:
- Mailing address: Sullivan County Clerk, 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
- Specify the document by book and page, instrument number, or property address with date range
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Certified copies are available upon request with appropriate fee
Through Professionals:
Title companies provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys offer legal title opinions and assistance with complex ownership issues or disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
- When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, attempt last name first, then full name, and consider spelling variations or maiden names
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the Clerk's office or Real Property Tax Services is required
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online systems due to recording delays
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel/SBL number when multiple results appear
What Is Sullivan County Property Records
Property records in Sullivan County are official documents related to real property — encompassing land and buildings — maintained by county government agencies as legal records of ownership, transactions, and encumbrances. These records establish clear title, document the chain of ownership, and record interests such as mortgages and liens. Under New York Real Property Law § 291, every conveyance of real property must be recorded in the county where the property is situated to be effective against subsequent purchasers in good faith.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances including mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and assessment rolls
- Tax bills and payment history
- Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments and tax delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
Sullivan County Clerk's Office
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0411
Sullivan County Clerk
The Clerk records and indexes deeds, mortgages, liens, and all instruments affecting title to real property, maintaining the permanent official record.
Sullivan County Real Property Tax Services
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0221
Real Property Tax Services
This office maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications.
Sullivan County Treasurer's Office
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0200
Sullivan County Treasurer
The Treasurer administers tax bills, payment records, delinquent tax records, and tax certificates.
Legal Framework:
Property recording in New York is governed by New York Real Property Law § 290–333, which establishes the recording system, constructive notice principles, and the priority of recorded instruments. The recording statutes require that instruments affecting real property be filed with the county clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.
Are Property Records Public Information in Sullivan County?
Property records in Sullivan County are public information. Under New York Public Officers Law § 87, government agencies are required to make records available for public inspection and copying. The recording system itself is premised on the principle that recorded instruments provide constructive notice to all members of the public, making transparency a foundational element of property law.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- New York Public Officers Law (Freedom of Information Law)
- New York Real Property Law recording statutes
- Common law tradition of public land records
- Centuries-old practice in American and English property law
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency:
The public has a recognized right to know property ownership, which supports transparent government operations, accountability in property taxation, and prevention of fraudulent transfers.
Commercial Purposes:
Public access enables real estate transactions, title searches, title insurance, property valuation, market analysis, and the lending and mortgage industry.
Legal Protections:
The recording system establishes chain of title, provides constructive notice, protects against fraudulent transfers, and records the priority of competing interests in property.
Public Interest:
Property records support tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, genealogical research, and journalistic investigation.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded documents
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under state and federal law. Under New York law, certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections that limit the public disclosure of their residential addresses.
Homestead exemption applications submitted to Real Property Tax Services may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure. Members of the public seeking information about exemption application policies should contact the Real Property Tax Services office directly.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access property records in Sullivan County. There is no residency requirement, ownership requirement, or stated business purpose required. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial use of public property records is permitted, including real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance and searches, investment analysis, and market research. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases, which is a legal and recognized practice. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern the manner in which property information may be used.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Sullivan County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies of recorded documents are requested. The following fee structure reflects current charges maintained by the Sullivan County Clerk's Office and Real Property Tax Services.
Sullivan County Clerk Recording and Copy Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00 per document + $1.25 per page |
| Uncertified copy of recorded document | $0.65 per page |
| Search fee (per name, per two-year period) | $5.00 |
| Recording a deed or mortgage (first page) | $40.00 |
| Each additional page | $5.00 |
| RP-5217 Real Property Transfer Report | $125.00 (residential/agricultural) |
Real Property Tax Services Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Tax map copy | $1.00 per page |
| Property record card copy | $0.25 per page |
| Online property data access | Free |
Tax Collector / Treasurer Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of tax bill | $1.00 per page |
| Online tax information access | Free |
Free Access:
- Online viewing of property assessment data through Real Property Tax Services
- Online viewing of tax information through the Treasurer's portal
- In-person inspection of records at the Clerk's office without copying
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to the Sullivan County Clerk
- Credit and debit cards (where available at the counter)
Recording fees in New York are governed in part by New York County Law § 909, which authorizes county clerks to collect fees for recording, filing, and certifying instruments. Fee waivers are not available to the general public; however, certain government agencies may be exempt from specific fees under applicable state law.
What's Included in a Sullivan County Property Record?
A complete Sullivan County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership data includes the legal owner's name or names, the form of ownership (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety for married couples, trust, LLC, or corporation), the acquisition date, the deed book and page or instrument number, and the mailing address on file for tax bill delivery. Previous ownership information includes the chain of title, prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds)
- Parcel/SBL number and tax account number
- Municipality and school district
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and total room count. Additional features recorded may include garage type and spaces, pool, porch or patio square footage, fireplaces, central air conditioning, heating type, water source, and sewer system.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, market value, and taxable value. Historical assessed values for prior years are available, along with year-over-year percentage changes. Agricultural classification data is included where applicable.
Tax Information:
Current year tax data includes the total tax amount, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts). Tax history includes prior years' taxes paid, payment dates, and any delinquency history.
Exemptions Applied:
- Basic STAR exemption or Enhanced STAR
- Senior citizens exemption
- Disability exemption
- Veterans exemption
- Agricultural exemption
- Conservation exemption
Sales History:
Sales history typically covers the last several recorded transactions and includes sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, tax deed, etc.), grantor and grantee names, deed document numbers, and documentary stamp amounts where applicable.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages include the lender name, original mortgage amount, recording date, and book and page reference. Liens include tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens, each with recorded dates, amounts, and lienholder identification. Other encumbrances include easements, deed restrictions, covenants, life estates, and lis pendens notices.
Legal and Regulatory Information:
Zoning classification, land use code, future land use designation, special district assignments (school, fire, water), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, HOA information, flood zone designation (FEMA), and wetlands or conservation area designations are all components of a comprehensive property record.
Maps and Images:
Property records may include exterior property photographs, aerial photographs, GIS maps with parcel boundaries, plat maps, property sketches, and historical aerial imagery where available.
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted)
- Private agreements not recorded
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Confidential exemption application details
How Long Does Sullivan County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Sullivan County are maintained permanently. The legal requirement to preserve recorded instruments arises from the foundational role these records play in establishing chain of title and providing constructive notice. No recorded instrument affecting title to real property is subject to destruction.
Legal Basis for Retention:
New York's record retention requirements for county clerks are established under the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25, which governs the retention and disposition of local government records. Recorded instruments affecting real property are classified as permanent records and may never be destroyed. The New York State Archives publishes retention schedules that confirm this permanent status for deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and all instruments of record.
Records Kept Permanently:
Deed Records:
All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all conveyance instruments. Sullivan County's deed records extend back to the county's formation in 1809, with some records referencing earlier territorial land grants.
Mortgage Records:
All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.
Lien Records:
All recorded liens — including judgment liens, tax liens, and mechanic's liens — and their corresponding releases are maintained permanently.
Plats and Surveys:
All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently.
Other Recorded Documents:
Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are all maintained permanently.
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the 19th and early 20th centuries exist in handwritten ledger books maintained in the Clerk's vault. Mid-20th century records are available on microfilm. More recent records have been scanned and are maintained in electronic document management systems with off-site digital backups and disaster recovery protocols.
Online Access by Time Period:
| Time Period | Access Method |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Online via Clerk's portal |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Online or microfilm at courthouse |
| Historical (50+ years) | Microfilm or original books at courthouse |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser Assessment Records:
Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained permanently. Online access through Real Property Tax Services typically covers the current assessment year and several prior years. Historical assessment data for earlier periods is available in person at the Real Property Tax Services office.
Tax Collector Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under state retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution. Tax certificate records are retained until redeemed or a tax deed is issued.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records older than those available online should contact the Sullivan County Clerk's Office directly. Staff can retrieve records from vault storage or microfilm archives. Advance notice is helpful for very old records. Standard copying fees apply regardless of the age of the record.
Sullivan County Clerk's Office — Historical Records:
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0411
Sullivan County Clerk
Sullivan County Real Property Tax Services — Historical Assessments:
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0221
Real Property Tax Services
How To Find Liens on Property in Sullivan County?
Liens on property in Sullivan County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Sullivan County Clerk's official records index. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be satisfied before the property can be transferred with clear title. Common lien types include judgment liens, mechanic's liens, tax liens, and HOA liens.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Access the Sullivan County Clerk's Office official records search portal
- Search by the property owner's name as the grantor or grantee
- Filter results by document type to isolate liens (judgment liens, mechanic's liens, tax liens, lis pendens)
- Review each result for the property address or legal description to confirm the lien applies to the subject property
- Note the book and page or instrument number for each lien identified
- Check for corresponding releases or satisfactions filed after the lien date
- For federal tax liens, search the IRS federal tax lien database in addition to county records, as federal liens are also filed with the county clerk
Types of Liens and Where to Search:
| Lien Type | Primary Search Location |
|---|---|
| Judgment liens | Sullivan County Clerk — Official Records |
| Mechanic's liens | Sullivan County Clerk — Official Records |
| State tax liens | Sullivan County Clerk — Official Records |
| Federal tax liens | Sullivan County Clerk + IRS records |
| HOA liens | Sullivan County Clerk — Official Records |
| Code enforcement liens | Sullivan County Building/Planning Department |
| Municipal tax liens | Sullivan County Treasurer's Office |
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct in-person lien searches at the Sullivan County Clerk's Office. Staff can assist with grantor/grantee index searches and retrieval of recorded lien documents. Certified copies of lien documents are available for the applicable per-page fee.
Sullivan County Clerk's Office
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0411
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sullivan County Clerk
Delinquent Tax Liens:
Property tax delinquency information is maintained by the Sullivan County Treasurer's Office. Members of the public may search for outstanding tax obligations by parcel number or owner name through the Treasurer's online portal or by contacting the office directly.
Sullivan County Treasurer's Office
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0200
Sullivan County Treasurer
Important Considerations:
A lien search conducted through county records reflects only those liens that have been formally recorded. Unrecorded claims, pending litigation not yet filed as a lis pendens, and certain federal obligations may not appear in the county index. Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process and carry professional liability for the accuracy of their searches.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Sullivan County?
The property owner rule in Sullivan County refers to the body of New York State law and local regulations that govern who may own real property, the forms of ownership recognized, and the rights and obligations that attach to property ownership. Sullivan County does not impose county-specific ownership restrictions beyond those established under New York State law.
Forms of Property Ownership Recognized in New York:
- Individual ownership — A single natural person holds title in their name alone
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) automatically receive the deceased owner's interest
- Tenancy in common — Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety — Available exclusively to legally married couples in New York; provides survivorship rights and protection from individual creditors of one spouse
- Trust ownership — A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Corporate or LLC ownership — A legal entity holds title; ownership interests are governed by the entity's organizational documents
Legal Framework:
Property ownership rights in New York are governed by the New York Real Property Law, which establishes the rules for conveyance, recording, and the legal effect of recorded instruments. Under New York law, any person or legal entity with legal capacity may hold title to real property in Sullivan County. There are no county-imposed restrictions on the nationality, residency, or identity of property owners beyond those established by state and federal law.
Recording Requirements for Ownership Transfers:
Every deed conveying real property in Sullivan County must be recorded with the Sullivan County Clerk to be effective against subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers in good faith, as required by New York Real Property Law § 291. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties to the transaction but does not provide constructive notice to third parties.
Property Tax Obligations:
All property owners in Sullivan County are subject to real property taxation administered by the Sullivan County Real Property Tax Services office and the applicable town or city assessor. Owners may apply for exemptions — including the Basic STAR, Enhanced STAR, veterans, senior citizens, and disability exemptions — through the local assessor's office. Exemption eligibility is governed by New York Real Property Tax Law and requires annual or periodic renewal depending on the exemption type.
Adverse Possession:
Under New York law, a person who openly, notoriously, continuously, and exclusively occupies another's property for a statutory period of ten years under a claim of right may acquire legal title through adverse possession. This doctrine is codified in New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law and represents a recognized exception to the general rule that title transfers only by recorded deed.
Eminent Domain:
Sullivan County and the State of New York retain the power of eminent domain — the authority to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. Eminent domain proceedings in New York are governed by the Eminent Domain Procedure Law, and property owners are entitled to notice, a hearing, and compensation at fair market value.
Sullivan County Real Property Tax Services
100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 807-0221
Real Property Tax Services
New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services
W.A. Harriman Campus, Albany, NY 12227
Phone: (518) 474-2982
NYS Office of Real Property Tax Services