What public records reveal outstanding liens, judgments, or code violations?

To uncover outstanding liens, judgments, or code violations on industrial land before purchase—especially at auction—several public records sources must be reviewed. These records are typically maintained at county, municipal, and state levels, and provide legal and financial transparency about the property’s encumbrances or compliance history.

Here are the key public records you should check:

1. County Recorder or Register of Deeds

• What It Reveals:
  
  • Tax liens (delinquent property taxes)
    
  • Mechanic’s liens (from contractors or vendors)
    
  • Mortgage liens or other financial encumbrances
    
  • Easements, deed restrictions, and covenants
    
  • Judgment liens from court decisions
    
• Where to Access:
  County Clerk, Recorder, or Registry of Deeds office—often available online or in person.
  
• Search Tip:
  Use the owner’s name and parcel number to get a comprehensive lien history.

2. County Tax Assessor or Treasurer’s Office

• What It Reveals:
  
  • Outstanding property taxes and tax lien sales
    
  • Special assessments for local improvements (e.g., sewer, street lighting)
    
  • Tax deed eligibility status
    
• Where to Access:
  Online portals or the local tax collector’s office; some counties publish tax delinquency lists or lien auction notices.
  
• Search Tip:
  Look for unpaid taxes across multiple years—this may indicate deeper financial issues.
  

3. County or State Court Records

• What It Reveals:
  
  • Civil judgments against the property owner (can become liens)
    
  • Bankruptcy filings that may delay or void auction sales
    
  • Foreclosure suits or title disputes
    
• Where to Access:
  County superior or circuit court docket systems; many jurisdictions offer free online civil case lookup tools.
  
• Search Tip:
  Search under both individual and business entity names, especially in commercial or industrial transactions.

4. Municipal Code Enforcement Department

• What It Reveals:
  
  • Open or past code violations, such as zoning infractions, safety hazards, illegal construction, or neglect
    
  • Fines or abatement costs that may become liens
    
  • Demolition orders or condemnation notices
    
• Where to Access:
  Local city or town code enforcement or building department.
  
• Search Tip:
  Ask for a property status report or compliance letter; some cities provide violation history upon request.

5. Building and Permit Department

• What It Reveals:
  
  • Unpermitted work or open building permits
    
  • Stop work orders or inspection failures.s
    
  • Occupancy status and past inspection notes
    
• Where to Access:
  City or county building office; some municipalities have permit databases online.
  
• Search Tip:
  Compare construction records to visible structures to detect unpermitted additions or alterations.