Los Angeles County, CA Property Records

    Los Angeles County, CA, has a population of over 9,750,000 residents, making it the most populous in both California and the United States as a whole. The county covers over 4,000 square miles and is home to more than 25% of California's total population. The average home value in Los Angeles County is $871,300, down 1.5% from previous years but higher than the California state average of $763,288.

    Los Angeles County remains one of the country's most active real estate markets, characterized by steady demand, high prices, and competitive inventory. Listings in the county typically go under contract in around 28 days, with approximately 37% of homes selling over the listing price. The county also faces housing affordability challenges, with Federal Reserve Economic Data indicating that approximately 46.8% of households in LA County spend at least 30% of their income on housing costs.

    Even though Los Angeles County property records are centrally maintained by the county, you may still need to contact multiple departments for comprehensive property research, especially for tax assessments, parcel characteristics, and land use data.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    All official land records in Los Angeles County are maintained centrally by the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC), through its Recorder's Office. This office records and preserves real estate-related documents for all incorporated cities in the county, as well as the unincorporated areas.

    The Recorder's Office does not provide direct online access to its full index or recorded documents, but you can view records in person at its Norwalk headquarters located at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. Select branch offices across the county may also offer limited access. You can call (800) 201-8999 for more inquiries and general assistance.

    What Los Angeles County Property Records Include

    Los Angeles property records are official documents that detail real estate ownership, transfers, encumbrances, and land use rights throughout the county. They include deeds, deeds of trust (mortgages), liens, subdivision maps, easements, notices of default and lis pendens, powers of attorney, judgments, reconveyances, and more.

    LA County (like the rest of California) utilizes a "recorded land" title system for property recording. Under this system, all real estate documents (deeds, liens, etc.) are recorded in the order they are received and assigned a unique sequential number. These documents are maintained in alphabetical indexes by name and year and can be viewed and copied by any member of the public. The LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk maintains property records dating back to 1850, and requests for copies of these records can be made both online and in person at recorder's offices across the county. Note that in-person record availability may vary by office.

    How to Access Los Angeles County Property Records

    You can access Los Angeles County property records through several methods

    Online Access (Free):

    Los Angeles County does not currently provide an online database for viewing property records. The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office officially states that "Section 6254.21 of the Government Code prohibits the posting of home addresses on the internet of any elected or appointed official without their written permission. Since we cannot identify such individuals and their home addresses, which may be a part of the record, the Los Angeles County Counsel's Office recommended that we do not make these records available via the internet."

    However, even though you cannot view property records online, the county offers an online option for requesting copies of these records. You will need to provide details like the document title, description, names of the parties involved, and the year the document was recorded. Copy fees will apply, with additional fees if you do not know the exact year the document was recorded. Requests are typically processed within 20 working days.

    In Person:

    You can view and request copies of Los Angeles County property records in person at the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Norwalk Headquarters, located at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. The Recorder's Office recommends scheduling an appointment ahead of time to ensure staff availability and minimize wait times, especially for detailed record searches or certified copy requests. Note that you may be required to submit a written request as part of the process, and copy fees apply per page or per document requested.

    By Phone or Email:

    The LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office does not accept phone requests for property records, but you can call them at (800) 201-8999 for assistance with accessing these records. You can also email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov for general inquiries and information.

    By Mail/Overnight:

    You can record documents with the RR/CC by mailing them to "Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Document Analysis and Recording Section, P.O. Box 1250, Norwalk, CA 90651-1250." The documents must be original or certified copies (issued by the appropriate custodian of the public record) and must meet the county's formatting and recording requirements. Submissions should also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and appropriate fees. The recorder's office will examine the submitted documents for correctness and completeness and mail the originals back to you after they have been recorded and added to their database.

    You can also request copies of recorded documents by mailing a written application to the recorder's office at "Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Real Estate Records, P.O. Box 1130, Norwalk, CA 90651-1130." The request should include the title of the document, the name(s) listed on it, and the year it was recorded (or a range of years you want searched if you cannot provide the exact year). You can call (800) 201-8999 for assistance.

    E-Recording (Professionals):

    Los Angeles County supports e-recording. This system is designed for authorized business partners and professionals and is available to title companies, escrow firms, law firms, lenders, and other authorized submitters who have established an account with an approved e-recording service provider. However, the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office does not maintain a public list of these approved vendors, meaning that you'll need to independently research third-party e-recording vendors that interface with the county's e-recording system.

    What's Not at the Recorder's Office (But Matters for Property Research)

    The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is the custodian of deeds, liens, maps, and other official documents that establish real estate ownership. However, they do not maintain certain information crucial for comprehensive property research. Key details, like assessed values, building characteristics, property record cards, sales history, and tax data, are maintained by the LA County Assessor, the LA County Auditor-Controller, and the LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector. The California State Controller's Office and the State Board of Equalization are also great resources for aggregated, county-level data on property tax rates and assessed values.

    Step-by-Step: How to Pull a Deed Online

    Even though the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk does not offer an option for viewing deeds and other property records online, you can still request copies of these records remotely by taking the following steps:

    • Visit the county-approved LexisNexis platform.

    • Fill in the required fields, indicated by an asterisk (*). These include the document title, property/description, name, and date range. Additional fields are also provided to refine searches.

    • Provide payment details and submit the request. Note that orders are typically processed within 20 working days of submission.

    Cities & Towns in Los Angeles County (and Their Record Custodians)

    The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk serves all 88 incorporated cities in the county:

    A - D

    Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Arcadia, Artesia, Avalon, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Burbank, Calabasas, Carson, Cerritos, Claremont, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Cudahy, Culver City, Diamond Bar, Downey, and Duarte.

    E - L

    El Monte, El Segundo, Gardena, Glendale, Glendora, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Huntington Park, Industry, Inglewood, Irwindale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Puente, La Verne, Lakewood, Lancaster, Lawndale, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Lynwood.

    M - R

    Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Palmdale, Palos Verdes Estates, Paramount, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rosemead.

    S - Z

    San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Sierra Madre, Signal Hill, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temple City, Torrance, Vernon, Walnut, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, and Whittier.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    Property assessed values, parcel maps, tax roll details, building features, and other assessment and tax-related data in Los Angeles County are managed at the county level by several departments, primarily:

    The county offers a property tax portal that you can use to look up information from these offices using an assessor ID number (AIN), address, or the property's legal description. You may also access statewide property tax data through the California State Board of Equalization and California State Controller's Office websites.

    Los Angeles County-Specific Nuances

    Los Angeles County, CA, has certain distinctive features and nuances that may influence property research:

    • LA County uses a single, consolidated registry for all incorporated cities and unincorporated areas. All property records are maintained by the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, headquartered in Norwalk.

    • The county follows a recorded land title system, where documents are recorded chronologically.

    • LA County's property records date back to 1850, with archives organized by alphabetical indexes (grantor/grantee) and recording year.

    • The Recorder's Office does not offer direct online access to its records, meaning that there is no official option for viewing deeds (and other real estate records) remotely.

    • Properties are primarily identified by an Assessor's Identification Number (AIN), which is used consistently across county departments.

    • Due to state privacy laws, you cannot search for property information online by name.

    • While property recording is centralized, zoning, planning, and building permit information are handled by city governments or the county's Department of Regional Planning (for unincorporated areas).

    Typical Contents of a Los Angeles County Property Record

    A Los Angeles County property record refers to a compilation of documents that establish a property's ownership history, financial encumbrances, physical boundaries, and land use regulations. Some of the information you will typically find in these records include:

    • Deed Information

      • Grantor and grantee names (the parties involved in the transfer of ownership)

      • Legal description (parcel boundaries, lot/block numbers, and subdivision name)

      • Consideration (declared value or transfer amount)

      • Prior References (book and page numbers of previous recordings)

      • Homestead declaration

    • Deeds of Trust and Reconveyances

      • Lender and borrower name

      • Loan amount and terms (principal, interest rate, and maturity date)

      • Recording details (document number, date, and indexing references)

      • Release/discharge (indicating the loan has been paid off)

    • Plans and Subdivision Maps

      • Survey or tract map number

      • Subdivision name and lot details

      • Parcel map references

    • Encumbrances

      • Easements (rights granted to others for access or utility use)

      • Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (limitations on property use)

      • Notices of lis pendens

      • Liens

    Other information that you may find when reviewing LA County property records includes assignment of rents, powers of attorney, affidavits, judgments, and notices of trustee sales.

    Recording Changes to Property Titles

    All changes to property titles in Los Angeles County, such as new deeds, liens, and reconveyances, must be recorded with the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC). Documents can be recorded in person at any of the following RR/CC locations:

    • Norwalk Headquarters: 12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650.

      Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

    • Lancaster Branch Office: Suite 101, 44509 16th St. West, Lancaster, CA 93534.

      Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

    • LAX Courthouse Branch Office: 6th Floor, 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045.

      Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

    • Van Nuys Branch Office: 14340 W. Sylvan St., Van Nuys, CA 91401.

      Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

    Walk-ins are accepted for document recording, but the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk strongly recommends scheduling an appointment to avoid delays. Appointments can be scheduled up to three weeks in advance (of your intended visit). The RR/CC also accepts submissions by mail to its Norwalk headquarters at "Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Real Estate Records, P.O. Box 1130, Norwalk, CA 90651-1130" or electronically through authorized e-recording vendors.

    You can visit the RR/CC's Property Document Recording webpage to get detailed information on recording requirements, including formatting guidelines, submission options, applicable fees, and payment options.

    Practical Research Flow (Checklist)

    Here's a practical checklist for effectively researching property in Los Angeles County, CA:

    • Start with the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office. The RR/CC does not offer a publicly accessible database for searching records online, but you can review records in person at their Norwalk headquarters and select branch offices across the county.

    • Record key reference numbers. Take note of essential identifiers such as the instrument number, book and page, recording date, and any prior references listed on the document.

    • Trace the chain of title. Use the references on the most recent deed to follow the property's ownership history, confirm legal transfers, and identify any gaps, disputes, or unresolved encumbrances.

    • Review plans and encumbrances. Look for recorded tract maps, parcel maps, easements, covenants, restrictions, notices of lis pendens, and other related documents that may affect property use, access, or development rights.

    • Verify Parcel Data. Cross-check your findings using the county's property tax portal. This portal offers access to tools that you can use to search assessment and tax data by address or AIN and view parcel maps, assessed values, building characteristics, exemption status, and other property details.

    Appendix A — Municipalities in Los Angeles County

    Los Angeles County, CA, has 88 incorporated cities* and over 100 unincorporated areas**.

    • A - D: Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Arcadia, Artesia, Avalon, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Burbank, Calabasas, Carson, Cerritos, Claremont, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Cudahy, Culver City, Diamond Bar, Downey, and Duarte.

    • E - L: El Monte, El Segundo, Gardena, Glendale, Glendora, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Huntington Park, Industry, Inglewood, Irwindale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Puente, La Verne, Lakewood, Lancaster, Lawndale, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Lynwood.

    • M - R: Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Palmdale, Palos Verdes Estates, Paramount, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rosemead.

    • S - Z: San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Sierra Madre, Signal Hill, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temple City, Torrance, Vernon, Walnut, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, and Whittier.

    * L.A. County Cities (https://lacounty.gov/newsroom/public-information/la-county-cities/).

    ** Unincorporated areas do not have their own government, and their boundaries, unless shared with nearby cities or the overall county, have no formal or official status. (Wikipedia).

    Appendix B — Key Contacts & Portals

    • LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk:

    • LA County Assessor:

      • Address: Room 225, 500 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

      • Phone: (213) 974-3211, (888) 807-2111 (toll-free).

    • LA County Auditor-Controller:

      • Address: Room 153, 500 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

      • Phone: (213) 974-8368, (888) 807-2111 (toll-free).

    • LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector:

      • Address: 225 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

      • Phone: (213) 974-2111, (888) 807-2111 (toll-free).

    • LA County Property Tax Portal (countywide property assessment and tax data search)

    • California State Board of Equalization (statewide property tax and assessment data):

    • California State Controller's Office (statewide tax and finance data):