Macomb County Property Records
What Is Macomb County Property Records
Property records in Macomb County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout Macomb County, Michigan. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the appropriate county register of deeds to provide constructive notice to the public.
The primary purposes of Macomb County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and zoning enforcement
The Macomb County Register of Deeds maintains these vital records, which date back to the county's formation. Property records create what is legally known as the "chain of title" - the historical sequence of ownership for a specific parcel from its original platting to the present day. This documentation is essential for real estate transactions, property development, and resolving ownership disputes.
Macomb County Register of Deeds
120 N. Main Street
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5175
Macomb County Register of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Macomb County?
Property records in Macomb County are public information, accessible to all citizens pursuant to both Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (Act 442 of 1976) and specific statutes governing property records. The Michigan Land Title Standards, in conjunction with MCL § 565.551, establish that property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record.
The public nature of these records serves several important functions:
- Transparency in land ownership and transfers
- Protection of property rights through public notice
- Prevention of fraud in real estate transactions
- Support for proper taxation and assessment
- Facilitation of legitimate business interests in real estate
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or stating a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects the longstanding legal principle that property ownership information must be publicly available to protect all parties involved in real estate matters.
The public data records system maintained by Macomb Township exemplifies this commitment to transparency, providing convenient access to property information for citizens, businesses, and government agencies alike.
How To Search Property Records in Macomb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Macomb County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county has modernized its record-keeping systems to provide multiple access points while maintaining the integrity of these important documents.
To search property records in person:
- Visit the Macomb County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form at the public service counter
- Provide specific information about the property (address, parcel ID, or owner name)
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($1.00 per page for copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records
To request property records by mail:
- Download and complete the official records request form from the county website
- Include specific property information in your request
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request to:
Macomb County Register of Deeds
120 N. Main Street
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5175
Macomb County Register of Deeds
For expedited service, the Assessing Department maintains property record cards that contain detailed information about property characteristics, ownership history, and valuation. These records are particularly useful for understanding a property's tax assessment history and physical attributes.
How To Find Property Records in Macomb County Online?
Macomb County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These systems allow for efficient searching without the need to visit county offices in person.
To access property records online:
- Visit the Macomb County Land Records Portal
- Create a free user account or log in as a guest
- Select the search type (name, address, parcel ID, etc.)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate fields
- Review the search results and select the desired record
- View basic information at no cost or pay applicable fees for document copies
For property tax and assessment records:
- Navigate to the Macomb County Equalization Department website
- Select "Property/Tax Information Search"
- Enter the property address or parcel number
- Review the property information, including:
- Current owner of record
- Property tax status
- Assessment values
- Property characteristics
The Harrison Township Assessing Department maintains detailed property record information for every parcel within its jurisdiction, which can be accessed through their dedicated online portal. Similarly, Sterling Heights property tax information is available through the city's official website.
For specialized searches related to planning and zoning information, the Macomb Township Planning Department provides access to zoning maps, land use plans, and development records that complement property ownership information.
How To Look Up Macomb County Property Records for Free?
Macomb County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property record information. While certified copies and extensive searches may incur fees, fundamental property data is available without charge.
Free property record access methods include:
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Public Access Terminals: Located at the Register of Deeds office, these computer stations allow visitors to search basic property information at no cost. Staff assistance is available for navigating the system.
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Township and Municipal Websites: Many Macomb County municipalities offer free property record lookups through their websites. The Macomb Township public data records system provides comprehensive property information without charge.
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County GIS Portal: The Macomb County Geographic Information System (GIS) offers a free mapping interface that displays property boundaries, ownership information, and basic parcel data.
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Public Libraries: Several Macomb County libraries provide free access to property record databases. Library staff can assist with navigating these resources.
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Michigan Tax Tribunal Records: For properties involved in tax assessment disputes, the Michigan Tax Tribunal maintains publicly accessible case records that often contain detailed property information.
When using these free resources, members of the public should note that while basic ownership and property characteristic information is available without charge, obtaining certified copies or conducting extensive historical searches may require payment of statutory fees as established by MCL § 600.2567.
What's Included in a Macomb County Property Record?
Macomb County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data points that collectively establish the legal status and physical characteristics of real property within the county. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) in accordance with Michigan property law.
A complete property record typically includes:
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Deed Information:
- Current and historical property owners
- Legal description of the property
- Purchase price and transfer date
- Deed type (warranty, quitclaim, etc.)
- Recording date and document number
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Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Tax liens and assessments
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
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Assessment Information:
- Assessed value
- Taxable value
- Property tax rates
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
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Property Characteristics:
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building size and year built
- Number of rooms and bathrooms
- Construction materials
- Property improvements
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Land Use Information:
- Zoning classification
- Land use restrictions
- Variances and conditional uses
- Planning and zoning approvals
These records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Register of Deeds, Assessor's Office, Treasurer's Office, and Planning Department, in accordance with Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.401, which establishes requirements for property record maintenance.
How Long Does Macomb County Keep Property Records?
Macomb County maintains property records in perpetuity for most core documents related to property ownership and transfers. This permanent retention policy ensures the continuous chain of title necessary for property rights protection and is mandated by Michigan state law.
Record retention periods for various property documents include:
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Permanent Retention:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Plat maps and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Condominium master deeds
- Subdivision declarations
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Extended Retention (75+ years):
- Tax assessment rolls
- Property record cards
- Building permits for significant structures
- Historic designation documents
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Limited Retention (7-20 years):
- Building permits for minor improvements
- Temporary easements
- Certain planning documents
- Variance applications
These retention schedules comply with the Michigan Records Management Services requirements and are governed by MCL § 399.811, which establishes the legal framework for public records retention in Michigan. The county's retention policies ensure that essential property information remains available for future generations while allowing for the appropriate disposition of temporary records.
Digital preservation initiatives have enhanced the county's ability to maintain historical property records, with many documents now available in electronic format despite originating decades or even centuries ago.
How To Find Liens on Property In Macomb County?
Locating liens and other encumbrances on Macomb County properties requires searching several official record repositories, as different types of liens are recorded with different government agencies.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search:
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Register of Deeds Search:
- Visit the Macomb County Register of Deeds office or online portal
- Search by property owner name and/or property address
- Review the property's chain of title for recorded liens
- Request copies of any lien documents found
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Tax Lien Search:
- Contact the Macomb County Treasurer's Office
- Request a tax certification showing any delinquent taxes
- Verify if property taxes are current or if tax payments are in arrears
- Check for special assessments on the property
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Judgment Lien Search:
- Visit the Macomb County Circuit Court Clerk
- Search judgment records under the property owner's name
- Request copies of any judgments that may attach to the property
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Mechanics' Lien Search:
- Check construction lien records at the Register of Deeds
- Search by property address and recent timeframe (typically within last year)
- Verify if contractors have filed claims for unpaid work
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Federal Tax Lien Search:
- Search federal tax lien records at the Register of Deeds
- Check under current and previous property owner names
- Note that federal tax liens attach to all property owned by the taxpayer
For the most comprehensive results, many property professionals utilize the services of a title company to conduct a full title search, which will reveal all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting the property. The Macomb Township Tax Bill Information page provides additional guidance on understanding tax obligations that may result in liens if left unpaid.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Macomb County?
The Property Owner Rule in Macomb County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county. These rules are derived from Michigan state law, local ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirements: Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.29, all instruments affecting real estate title must be properly recorded with the Macomb County Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to third parties. Unrecorded documents may be valid between the parties to the transaction but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers or creditors.
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Property Tax Obligations: Property owners must pay all assessed taxes in a timely manner. The Michigan Property Tax Act establishes that property taxes become a lien on the property as of December 31 each year, taking priority over most other liens regardless of when they were recorded.
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Disclosure Requirements: When selling property, owners must complete a Seller's Disclosure Statement as required by Michigan law, revealing known material defects in the property. Failure to disclose known issues may result in legal liability.
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Adverse Possession: Michigan law permits acquisition of property through adverse possession after 15 years of open, notorious, exclusive, continuous, and hostile possession. Property owners must be vigilant about boundary encroachments to protect their rights.
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Zoning Compliance: Property owners must adhere to local zoning ordinances and land use regulations as established by the Macomb Township Planning Department and similar agencies in other municipalities.
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Riparian Rights: For properties adjacent to water bodies, Michigan's riparian doctrine grants special water access and usage rights to property owners, subject to public trust considerations.
These rules collectively establish the framework within which property ownership operates in Macomb County, balancing individual property rights with community interests and regulatory requirements.
Lookup Property Records in Macomb County
Property Tax Information Portal
Macomb Township Assessing Department
Harrison Township Property Records
Tax Bill Information Resources
Fraser City Property Tax Portal