Fulton County Property Records
What Is Fulton County Property Records
Fulton County property records constitute the official documentation that records ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within Fulton County, Georgia. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding land and buildings located within county boundaries. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish legal ownership through a documented chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
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 ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public.
Property records in Fulton County include:
- Deeds and title documents
- Mortgages and security deeds
- Liens and encumbrances
- Plats and surveys
- Tax assessment records
- Property tax payment history
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
The Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court maintains the official land records for the county, while the Fulton County Board of Assessors handles property assessments and tax-related documentation.
Are Property Records Public Information In Fulton County?
Property records in Fulton County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Georgia law. The Georgia Open Records Act, codified in Georgia Code § 50-18-70, establishes that public records, including property records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia at a reasonable time and place.
Additionally, Georgia's property recording statutes, specifically Georgia Code § 44-2-2, mandate that the clerk of superior court shall keep property records available for public inspection. The legal basis for this public access includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency
- Public access to land ownership records serves the public interest
- Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
This transparency in property ownership and transactions helps prevent fraud, facilitates real estate transactions, and provides critical information for various stakeholders including potential buyers, lenders, government agencies, and researchers.
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
136 Pryor Street, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-612-5100
Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court
How To Search Property Records in Fulton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search Fulton County property records may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains comprehensive systems for both in-person and online searches.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court Real Estate Division
- Complete a records request form at the public service counter
- Provide specific property information such as address, parcel ID, or owner name
- Staff will assist in locating the requested records
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies)
For property tax and assessment records:
- Visit the Fulton County Board of Assessors office
- Request property assessment information at the public service counter
- Provide the property address or parcel identification number
- Review assessment records and tax information
- Request copies of relevant documents if needed
Fulton County Board of Assessors
235 Peachtree Street, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-612-6440
Fulton County Board of Assessors
The county also offers mail and email request options for those unable to visit in person. Requestors should include specific property information, the records being sought, and contact information. Response times typically range from 3-5 business days for standard requests.
How To Find Property Records in Fulton County Online?
Fulton County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These resources allow citizens to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices.
The primary online resources include:
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Fulton County Property Records Search Portal
- Access through the Fulton County Property Services website
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel ID
- View basic property information at no cost
- Create an account to save searches and receive notifications
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Fulton County GIS Property Map Viewer
- Access the interactive Property Map Viewer system
- Search properties by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and surrounding properties
- Access property assessment data and basic ownership information
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Fulton County Tax Commissioner's Property Tax Records
- Visit the Property Taxes portal
- Search by property address or parcel ID
- View current and historical tax information
- Access tax bills, payment history, and tax sale information
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Fulton County Open Data Portal
- Access Tax Parcels dataset
- Download property data in various formats (CSV, shapefile, etc.)
- Perform advanced analysis and custom reporting
- Access is free and requires no registration
When using these online systems, users should note that while basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for certified copies or specialized reports. Additionally, some historical records may not be available online and may require an in-person visit or special request.
How To Look Up Fulton County Property Records for Free?
Fulton County provides several no-cost options for citizens to access property records. These free resources offer substantial information while eliminating financial barriers to public records access.
Free property record search options include:
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Public Access Terminals
- Located at the Clerk of Superior Court's Real Estate Division
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
- No fee for self-service searching
- Staff assistance available for basic questions
-
Fulton County Public Library System
- Select branches offer access to property record databases
- Library staff can provide basic assistance with searches
- No library card required for on-site database access
- Available during regular library hours
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Online Basic Property Search
- The Property Map Viewer provides free basic property information
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View property characteristics, assessment values, and ownership information
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
-
Fulton County Board of Assessors Website
- Access Property Assessments information
- Search by address or parcel ID
- View assessment history, property characteristics, and tax district information
- Download property record cards at no cost
While these free options provide substantial information, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Certified copies of documents require payment of statutory fees
- Complex title searches may require professional assistance
- Some historical records may not be available through free resources
- High-volume commercial users may be subject to special fee structures
Fulton County Central Library
One Margaret Mitchell Square
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-730-1700
Fulton County Library System
What's Included in a Fulton County Property Record?
Fulton County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation.
Property records in Fulton County distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). The focus of county property records is primarily on real property, though certain personal property may be recorded in specific contexts such as tax filings or UCC filings.
A complete Fulton County property record typically includes:
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Ownership Information
- Current and previous property owners
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
- Deed information and recording dates
-
Property Characteristics
- Legal description of the property
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building size and characteristics
- Year built and major improvements
- Zoning classification
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Financial Information
- Purchase price and sales history
- Mortgage information
- Property tax assessment values
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments or exemptions
-
Legal Encumbrances
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Pending legal actions affecting title
-
Plats and Surveys
- Subdivision plats
- Boundary surveys
- Flood zone determinations
- Environmental assessments (when filed)
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-2-25, all property records must meet specific requirements for recording, including proper formatting, notarization where required, and payment of applicable recording fees.
How Long Does Fulton County Keep Property Records?
Fulton County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Georgia law and the Georgia Archives' Records Management Division. These retention periods ensure the preservation of vital property information while managing the county's records storage resources.
The retention periods for various property records include:
- Deeds and Property Transfers: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Security Instruments: 7 years after satisfaction or cancellation
- Tax Records: 7 years for general tax records; permanent for tax maps and plats
- Building Permits: 7 years after issuance; permanent for commercial structures
- Property Assessment Records: Permanent for final assessment rolls; 7 years for working files
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Liens: 7 years after satisfaction or expiration
- Easements and Rights-of-Way: Permanent retention
The Georgia Records Act, codified in Georgia Code § 50-18-90 et seq., establishes the legal framework for records retention throughout the state. This statute mandates that county governments maintain property records according to approved retention schedules.
For historical property records, Fulton County has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve older documents. Many historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1853 have been digitized and remain accessible, though some very early records may be available only in specialized archival collections.
Fulton County Archives
130 Peachtree Street SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-612-4180
Fulton County Archives
How To Find Liens on Property In Fulton County?
Locating liens on property in Fulton County requires searching records maintained by several county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold or refinanced.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search:
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Search for Tax Liens
- Visit the Fulton County Tax Commissioner website
- Enter the property address or parcel ID
- Review current and delinquent tax information
- Note any outstanding tax liens or pending tax sales
-
Search for Judgment Liens
- Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office
- Request a judgment lien search against the property owner's name
- Review the General Execution Docket (GED)
- Note any judgments that may attach to the property
-
Search for Mechanic's and Materialmen's Liens
- Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's Real Estate Division
- Request a search for mechanic's liens filed against the specific property
- Review any filed notices of commencement for recent construction
- Check for lien satisfactions or cancellations
-
Search for Municipal Liens
- Contact the specific municipality where the property is located
- Request information on code enforcement liens, utility liens, or special assessments
- Provide the property address and owner information
- Obtain a municipal lien certificate if available
-
Search for Federal Tax Liens
- Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office
- Request a search of federal tax liens filed against the property owner
- Review the federal tax lien index
- Note any active federal tax liens that may attach to the property
Fulton County Tax Commissioner
141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 1106
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-613-6100
Fulton County Tax Commissioner
Professional title companies and attorneys often perform comprehensive lien searches as part of real estate transactions. For complex properties or situations involving multiple potential lien holders, professional assistance is recommended to ensure all potential liens are identified.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Fulton County?
The Property Owner Rule in Fulton County refers to a set of regulations governing property ownership, assessment, and taxation within the county. These rules establish the rights and responsibilities of property owners and provide the framework for property administration.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Assessment Notification Requirements
- Pursuant to Georgia Code § 48-5-306, the Fulton County Board of Assessors must notify property owners of changes in assessed value
- Notices must be sent at least 21 days before the Board of Equalization hearing date
- Notices must include the previous and current assessed values and information on the appeal process
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Property Tax Exemption Eligibility
- Property owners must apply for applicable exemptions by April 1 each year
- Homestead exemptions require owner occupancy as of January 1
- Senior citizen, disabled veteran, and other special exemptions require specific documentation
- Once granted, certain exemptions remain in effect until ownership changes
-
Property Owner Appeal Rights
- Property owners may appeal assessments within 45 days of the assessment notice date
- Appeals may be based on value, uniformity, taxability, or denial of exemption
- Three levels of appeal are available: Board of Equalization, Hearing Officer, or Superior Court
- Property owners may submit their own appraisals as evidence in appeals
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Disclosure Requirements
- New property owners must file a property tax return in the year following acquisition
- Substantial property improvements must be reported to the Board of Assessors
- Failure to disclose property improvements may result in back taxes and penalties
- Business personal property must be reported annually by April 1
The Fulton County Board of Assessors is responsible for implementing these rules in accordance with Georgia law. Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance and to take advantage of available exemptions and appeal rights.
Fulton County Board of Equalization
235 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1200
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-612-6445
Fulton County Board of Equalization