Ulster County Property Records
What Is Ulster County Property Records
Ulster County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Ulster County, New York. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records establish legal ownership through a chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded in the county where the property is located. This statutory requirement ensures that ownership interests and encumbrances are properly documented and accessible to the public. The Ulster County Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law.
Property records in Ulster County typically include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, executor's)
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and restrictions
- Plat maps and surveys
- Tax assessment information
The Ulster County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of property records for the county, maintaining both historical and current documentation of real property ownership and transactions.
Are Property Records Public Information In Ulster County?
Property records in Ulster County are public information and accessible to all citizens under New York State law. The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records. Additionally, New York Real Property Law § 291 specifically mandates that instruments affecting real property must be recorded and made available for public inspection.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency
- Public access to property records serves the public interest by facilitating informed real estate transactions
- Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
The Ulster County Clerk's Office maintains these public records and makes them available for inspection during regular business hours. Members of the public seeking to access property records may do so regardless of their purpose or relationship to the property in question.
Ulster County Clerk's Office
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3288
Ulster County Clerk
How To Search Property Records in Ulster County in 2026
Members of the public may search Ulster County property records through several methods. The County Clerk's Office provides comprehensive access to land records through both in-person and online services.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Ulster County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form at the public service counter
- Provide specific information about the property (address, owner name, tax map number)
- Staff will assist in locating relevant records
- Self-service computer terminals are available for public use
- Copies of records may be obtained for a nominal fee pursuant to the New York Public Officers Law § 87
For online searches:
- Access the Ulster County Land Records Portal through the County Clerk's website
- Register for an account if conducting multiple searches
- Search by name, property address, or document type
- View document images online
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply)
The Ulster County Real Property Tax Service Agency also maintains property records related to tax assessment and parcel information. Their records can be accessed through:
Ulster County Real Property Tax Service Agency
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3480
Ulster County Real Property
How To Find Property Records in Ulster County Online?
Ulster County offers several online resources for accessing property records electronically. The primary online platforms include:
- The Ulster County Clerk's Land Records Portal provides access to recorded documents including:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and releases
- Easements and covenants
To use this system:
- Navigate to the Ulster County Clerk's website
- Select "Land Records" from the menu
- Create a user account or log in as a guest
- Enter search criteria (name, date range, document type)
- View and download document images
- The Ulster County Parcel Viewer offers geographic information system (GIS) data including:
- Tax parcel boundaries
- Property ownership information
- Assessment data
- Zoning information
- Flood zones and environmental data
To use the Parcel Viewer:
- Access the GIS portal through the Ulster County website
- Search by address, owner name, or tax map ID
- View interactive maps showing property boundaries
- Access property cards with detailed assessment information
- The Ulster County Real Property Portal provides:
- Current assessment information
- Tax status
- Property classification
- Building characteristics
These online resources are maintained pursuant to New York Real Property Tax Law § 500, which governs the assessment and taxation of real property in New York State.
How To Look Up Ulster County Property Records for Free?
Ulster County residents and other interested parties may access certain property records at no cost through several channels. Free access options include:
-
In-person inspection at the Ulster County Clerk's Office:
- Visit during regular business hours
- Request to view specific property records
- Self-service computer terminals are available for public use
- Viewing records in person incurs no fee, though copying charges may apply
-
Public access computers at Ulster County public libraries:
- Many local libraries offer free access to county databases
- Library staff can assist with basic search functions
- Available during library operating hours
-
Limited free online searches:
- The Ulster County Parcel Viewer provides basic property information at no cost
- Basic property tax information through the Town of Ulster tax lookup portal
- The Ulster County Real Property Tax Service Agency website offers free access to assessment rolls
-
FOIL requests:
- Submit a Freedom of Information Law request for specific records
- Basic document requests may be fulfilled without fees
- Extensive searches or large document requests may incur reasonable fees
Ulster County Real Property Tax Service Agency
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3480
Ulster County Real Property
While basic property record searches are available at no cost, comprehensive searches or document copies may require payment of statutory fees as established by the Ulster County Legislature and New York State law.
What's Included in a Ulster County Property Record?
Ulster County property records encompass a wide range of documents and information related to real property within the county. Real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, while personal property (movable assets) is not included in these records.
Property records in Ulster County are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the County Clerk's Office and the Real Property Tax Service Agency. Each office maintains different aspects of the property record.
A comprehensive Ulster County property record typically includes:
-
Ownership Information:
- Current owner's name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration
-
Property Description:
- Legal description of the property boundaries
- Tax map identification number
- Street address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Plat or subdivision information
-
Building Information:
- Structure type and size
- Year built
- Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
- Building materials and construction details
- Improvements and additions
-
Assessment and Tax Information:
- Current assessed value
- Tax classification
- Exemption status (if applicable)
- Tax payment history
- Special district assessments
-
Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and restrictions
-
Transaction History:
- Record of all property transfers
- Dates and parties involved
- Document references
These records are maintained in accordance with New York Real Property Law § 316, which establishes requirements for indexing and maintaining property records.
How Long Does Ulster County Keep Property Records?
Ulster County maintains property records permanently in accordance with New York State Archives' Records Retention and Disposition Schedule LGS-1. This schedule establishes minimum retention periods for local government records, including property records.
Key retention periods for property records in Ulster County include:
- Deeds, mortgages, and other recorded instruments: Permanent retention
- Tax assessment rolls: Permanent retention
- Property record cards: Permanent retention
- Tax maps: Permanent retention
- Building permits: Permanent retention for buildings still standing; minimum 7 years after demolition
- Property transfer records: Permanent retention
- Zoning records: Permanent retention
- Subdivision plats: Permanent retention
The permanent retention of property records is mandated by New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25, which establishes the State Archives' authority to create records retention schedules for local governments.
Historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1683 are preserved and maintained by the Ulster County Clerk's Office. These records provide a continuous chain of title and property history throughout the county's existence.
Ulster County Archives
300 Foxhall Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3415
Ulster County Archives
How To Find Liens on Property In Ulster County?
Liens on property in Ulster County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold. Common types of liens include tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens.
To search for liens on Ulster County properties:
-
Ulster County Clerk's Office:
- Visit the County Clerk's Office in person
- Request a lien search by property address or owner name
- Staff will search the official records for any recorded liens
- Online searches can be conducted through the Land Records Portal
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Filter results by document type (select "Liens")
-
Ulster County Treasurer's Office (for tax liens):
- Tax liens are filed when property taxes remain unpaid
- Contact the Treasurer's Office for information on tax liens
- Search tax records through the county's online tax portal
-
New York State Unified Court System (for judgment liens):
- Judgment liens result from court judgments against property owners
- Search the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System
- Enter the property owner's name to find any judgments
-
Ulster County Building Department (for mechanic's liens):
- Mechanic's liens are filed by contractors for unpaid work
- These liens are recorded with the County Clerk
- Search by property address or owner name
Pursuant to New York Lien Law § 10, liens must be properly filed and indexed to be enforceable. The Ulster County Clerk maintains these records in accordance with state law.
Ulster County Treasurer's Office
244 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3000
Ulster County Treasurer
What Is Property Owner Rule In Ulster County?
The Property Owner Rule in Ulster County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership, transfer, and rights within the county. These rules are established by New York State law and administered by Ulster County officials.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
-
Recording Requirement:
- All instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the Ulster County Clerk
- Unrecorded instruments are valid between parties but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers
- Recording establishes priority of interests in property
- This requirement is established by New York Real Property Law § 291
-
Ownership Types:
- Fee simple: complete ownership of property
- Joint tenancy: equal ownership with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common: shared ownership without right of survivorship
- Tenancy by the entirety: special form of ownership for married couples
-
Transfer Requirements:
- Property transfers must be in writing
- Deeds must include grantor and grantee names, property description, and consideration
- Transfers must be properly executed and acknowledged
- Real Property Transfer Tax must be paid
-
Property Tax Responsibilities:
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax bills are issued based on assessed value
- Failure to pay taxes may result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure
- Tax status follows the property, not the owner
-
Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must provide property condition disclosure statements
- Certain environmental and structural issues must be disclosed
- Failure to disclose may result in liability
These rules are administered by various Ulster County departments, including the County Clerk, Real Property Tax Service Agency, and Assessor's offices in each town. Property owners are advised to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance with local and state laws.