Perry County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Perry County in 2026
PerryRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Perry County. Members of the public may find ownership histories, recorded deeds, tax assessment data, mortgage filings, and lien information through this resource. The following record categories are available for research:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Property tax assessments and payment histories
- Mortgage and lien filings
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
- Building permit records
Property records in Perry County may be searched through several official channels, including online portals, in-person visits to county offices, mail requests, and through licensed professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys.
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Perry County Property Appraiser maintains a publicly accessible online database that serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may search at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID or folio number
- By subdivision name
- By GIS map location
- By legal description
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site address and legal description
- Parcel or folio number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and property photos
- GIS map location and link to detailed property card
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Perry County Property Appraiser website
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, parcel ID, etc.)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select a specific property to view the full property card
- Access maps, sales history, and assessment details
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search
The Perry County Clerk of Courts maintains the official records index for all recorded property documents. Basic searches are available to the public at no charge, though fees may apply for document images or certified copies.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty 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 filings
- HOA documents
How to Search:
- Access the Perry County Clerk of Courts official records portal
- Select the applicable search type
- Enter grantor or grantee names, date ranges, or document type
- Review the results and select a document to view
- Note the book and page number or instrument number for reference
- Some systems assess a per-page fee for document images or downloads
3. Tax Collector Website
The Perry County Tax Collector provides online access to current and historical tax information for all parcels within the county.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel or folio number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied and millage rates
- Tax certificate information for delinquent accounts
- Installment plan status and available payment options
4. GIS / Mapping System
Perry County maintains an interactive GIS mapping system that allows members of the public to conduct visual property searches, view aerial photography, and access property boundary data.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the desired location
- Click on a parcel to view linked property information
- Access zoning layers, flood zone designations, and environmental features
- Measure distances and view multiple map layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches:
Perry County Property Appraiser Office
25 West Main Street
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: (717) 582-2131
Perry County Property Appraiser
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, maps and plats, and exemption application processing.
Perry County Clerk of Courts
25 West Main Street
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: (717) 582-2131
Perry County Clerk of Courts
In-person services include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor and grantee indexes, and accessing historical record books with staff assistance.
Perry County Tax Claim Bureau
25 West Main Street
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: (717) 582-2131
Perry County Tax Claim Bureau
In-person services include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests:
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Perry County Clerk of Courts by mail. Requests should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the 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 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, members of the public should use the complete street address and try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W). When searching by owner name, attempting last name first and checking spelling variations, including maiden names and business entity names, improves results. For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the courthouse or a written request to the Clerk's office is required, as older records may exist only in bound volumes or on microfilm.
What Is Perry County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — encompassing both land and structures — maintained by Perry County government offices. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing property ownership, recording encumbrances, and facilitating real estate transactions. Under Pennsylvania's recording statutes, all instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Title documents and transfer records
- Chain of title 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
- HOA documents and lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemption records
- Millage rates and special assessments
- Tax delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
Perry County Clerk of Courts
25 West Main Street
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: (717) 582-2131
Perry County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts is responsible for recording and indexing all official instruments affecting title, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, and for maintaining these records permanently.
Perry County Assessment Office
25 West Main Street
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: (717) 582-2131
Perry County Assessment Office
The Assessment Office maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications.
Perry County Tax Claim Bureau
25 West Main Street
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: (717) 582-2131
Perry County Tax Claim Bureau
The Tax Claim Bureau maintains tax bills, payment records, delinquent tax records, and tax certificate and tax deed information.
Legal Framework:
Pennsylvania's recording requirements are governed by 21 Pa. C.S. § 351, which establishes that unrecorded deeds and instruments are void as against subsequent bona fide purchasers for value without notice. This statute underpins the constructive notice principle that makes property records essential to every real estate transaction in the Commonwealth.
Are Property Records Public Information in Perry County?
Property records in Perry County are public information. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, members of the public have the right to access government records, including property records maintained by county offices, without providing a reason or demonstrating a specific interest. This right extends to all persons regardless of residency, citizenship, or professional status.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The public nature of property records in Pennsylvania is grounded in both statutory and common law traditions. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law establishes a presumption of openness for government records. Recording statutes further require that instruments affecting title be made available for public inspection upon recording. As the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records has noted, "The presumption is that all records are public unless they fall within one of the exceptions to disclosure."
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency: Public access to ownership information prevents fraudulent transfers and ensures accountability in property taxation.
- Commercial Purposes: Title searches, title insurance, property appraisals, and mortgage lending all depend on open access to recorded instruments.
- Legal Protections: Recording provides constructive notice, establishes chain of title, and protects against competing claims.
- Public Interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records.
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 histories
- Property characteristics (size, age, construction type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- 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 Pennsylvania law. Individuals in protected categories — including law enforcement officers, judges, domestic violence victims, and stalking victims — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Perry County Assessment Office for specific policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public — including prospective buyers, real estate professionals, title companies, lenders, attorneys, investors, researchers, journalists, and out-of-state or foreign inquirers — may access Perry County property records. No ownership interest, business purpose, or residency requirement applies.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial use of public property records is permitted under Pennsylvania law, including for real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance, investment analysis, and market research. Data aggregation companies such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases, which is a legal and common practice. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing statutes, and other applicable regulations continue to govern how information may be used regardless of its public nature.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Perry County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Perry County Clerk of Courts at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspection of records (in person) | No charge |
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00–$10.00 per document |
| Recording a new document | $107.75 for first two pages; $3.00 each additional page (standard deed) |
| Online document image (if applicable) | Varies by system |
| Search fee | No charge for basic index search |
Recording fees in Pennsylvania are governed by 42 Pa. C.S. § 21082, which establishes the schedule of fees applicable to instruments recorded with the county. Documentary transfer taxes are assessed separately at the time of recording a deed conveying real property.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in person)
- Check or money order (mail requests)
- Credit or debit card (where available)
Free Access:
- Online property appraiser database searches
- Online GIS mapping system
- Basic index searches at the Clerk's office
- In-person inspection of records without copying
Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances, such as for government agencies or pursuant to court order. Members of the public seeking fee waivers should submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts explaining the basis for the waiver.
What's Included in a Perry County Property Record?
A complete Perry County property record encompasses several categories of information maintained across multiple county offices.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, and the deed book and page or instrument number. Mailing addresses for tax bill delivery are also included. Previous ownership information provides the full chain of title, including prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by its site address, mailing address (if different), legal description (lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, section/township/range, or metes and bounds description), parcel ID or folio number, and tax account number.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, street frontage, corner lot designation, land use designation, and zoning classification. Building information covers 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 additional features such as garages, pools, porches, fireplaces, and HVAC systems. Water source and sewer system type are also recorded.
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 values are recorded where applicable.
Tax Information:
Current year tax records include the total tax amount due, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts). Tax payment history, delinquency records, and discount information are also maintained.
Sales History:
Sales history records include sale dates, sale prices, sale types (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance, divorce transfer, or trust transfer), deed document numbers, grantor and grantee names, and qualified or unqualified sale designations. Documentary stamp amounts are recorded at the time of transfer.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages are listed with lender names, recording dates, book and page references, and original mortgage amounts. Liens — including federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens — are indexed with amounts, lienholders, and recording dates. Easements, restrictions, covenants, life estates, and lis pendens filings are also part of the official record.
Maps and Images:
Property records include exterior photographs, aerial photographs, GIS maps with property boundaries, plat maps, property sketches, and floor plans 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 with the county
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Perry County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Perry County are maintained permanently. The permanent retention of recorded instruments is a legal requirement under Pennsylvania law and is essential to the integrity of the chain of title system. No recorded deed, mortgage, lien, plat, or other instrument affecting title is ever destroyed.
Legal Basis for Retention:
Pennsylvania's records retention requirements for county offices are established under 42 Pa. C.S. § 6103, which governs the preservation of official records. The Pennsylvania State Archives provides guidance on retention schedules applicable to county government records. Recorded instruments affecting title are classified as permanent records and are never subject to scheduled destruction.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All plats, subdivision plats, and survey plats
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Court documents affecting title
- Powers of attorney affecting property
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the early periods of Perry County's existence are maintained in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records exist on microfilm. Current records are maintained in electronic document management systems with scanned images of original instruments. Climate-controlled storage, off-site backup facilities, and digital redundancy systems are employed to ensure preservation.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20 years) | Fully online in most cases |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | May be online; microfilm available |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person or written request required |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice helpful |
Property Appraiser Assessment Records:
Current and historical assessment records are maintained permanently. Property cards and assessment rolls are never destroyed. Recent years of assessment history are available online through the county's property search portal; older records are accessible in person at the Assessment Office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax certificates remain on file until redeemed or a tax deed is issued. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking historical records should contact the Perry County Clerk of Courts directly. Very old records may require advance notice for retrieval from archive storage. Staff can assist with identifying the appropriate record format and location. Standard copying fees apply to historical records in the same manner as recent records.
Perry County Clerk of Courts (Historical Records)
25 West Main Street
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: (717) 582-2131
Perry County Clerk of Courts
Perry County Assessment Office (Historical Assessments)
25 West Main Street
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: (717) 582-2131
Perry County Assessment Office
How To Find Liens on Property in Perry County?
Liens on property in Perry County are recorded with the Clerk of Courts and are searchable through the official records index. Members of the public may identify all recorded liens against a specific property by conducting a grantor/grantee index search using the current or previous owner's name, or by searching by parcel number where the system permits.
Types of Liens Searchable:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens entered by courts of common pleas
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors and materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Municipal code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Access the Perry County Clerk of Courts official records portal
- Search by the property owner's name as grantor or grantee
- Filter results by document type (lien, judgment, tax lien, mechanic's lien)
- Review all results for the applicable time period
- Note instrument numbers and recording dates for each lien identified
- Request certified copies of specific lien documents if needed
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are searchable through the IRS tax lien search system in addition to the county records index. Pennsylvania state tax liens are filed with the county and are searchable through the same Clerk of Courts index.
For a comprehensive lien search, members of the public and real estate professionals should also check:
- The Perry County Court of Common Pleas docket for judgment liens
- The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for state tax liens
- Municipal offices for code enforcement liens, which may not always be recorded with the Clerk
Title companies conduct professional lien searches as part of the title insurance process and provide the most comprehensive identification of all recorded and unrecorded interests. In-person searches at the Clerk of Courts allow access to the complete grantor/grantee index and record books for any liens not yet available through the online portal.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Perry County?
The property owner rule in Perry County refers to the body of Pennsylvania law and local regulations governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership within the county.
Establishing Ownership:
Under Pennsylvania law, ownership of real property is established by a recorded deed. The recording of a deed with the Perry County Clerk of Courts provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors, as required by 21 Pa. C.S. § 351. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but is void as against a subsequent bona fide purchaser for value who records first without notice of the prior conveyance.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Pennsylvania:
- Sole ownership: A single individual holds title in their name alone
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased's share automatically
- Tenants in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each interest passes through the owner's estate upon death
- Tenants by the entirety: Available only to married couples; provides protection from individual creditors of either spouse
- Trust ownership: A trustee holds title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Entity ownership: LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities may hold title to real property in Pennsylvania
Transfer of Ownership:
Property in Perry County may be transferred by deed during the owner's lifetime or by will or intestate succession upon death. All deeds must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the Clerk of Courts to be effective against third parties. Pennsylvania imposes a realty transfer tax on most conveyances, currently assessed at 2% of the sale price or assessed value, whichever is greater, split between the state and local taxing authorities.
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Perry County hold the right to use, enjoy, lease, mortgage, and convey their property subject to applicable zoning ordinances, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. Owners are obligated to pay annual property taxes assessed by the Perry County Assessment Office and collected by the local tax collectors. Failure to pay property taxes may result in a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax sale conducted by the Perry County Tax Claim Bureau pursuant to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Tax Sale Law.
Zoning and Land Use:
The use of property in Perry County is regulated by municipal zoning ordinances adopted by the applicable township or borough. Zoning classifications determine permitted uses, setback requirements, building height limits, and lot coverage standards. Members of the public may review applicable zoning regulations through the relevant municipal office or through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Homestead and Other Exemptions:
Pennsylvania law provides a homestead exclusion that reduces the assessed value of a primary residence for school property tax purposes. The exclusion amount varies by school district based on the district's participation in the homestead program. Veterans, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens may qualify for additional tax relief programs administered through the Perry County Assessment Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.