Spokane Public Records /Spokane County Property Records

Spokane County Property Records

What Is Spokane County Property Records

Property records in Spokane County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout Spokane County, Washington. Pursuant to Revised Code of Washington § 65.08.070, all instruments in writing purporting to convey or encumber real estate must be recorded to be legally valid against subsequent purchasers or mortgagees.

The primary purposes of Spokane 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

The Spokane County Auditor's Office maintains the official repository of property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real property interests. These records create a comprehensive history of ownership and encumbrances for each parcel of land within the county.

Spokane County Auditor's Office
1116 W Broadway Ave
Spokane, WA 99260
509-477-2270
Spokane County Auditor's Office

Are Property Records Public Information In Spokane County?

Property records in Spokane County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Washington state law. The Washington Public Records Act, codified in Revised Code of Washington § 42.56, establishes that public records shall be available for public inspection and copying. Property records specifically fall under this mandate as they are created, maintained, and held by government agencies.

The public nature of property records is founded on several important principles:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research

Any member of the public may access Spokane County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy supports transparency in government and facilitates informed decision-making in real estate matters.

The Spokane County Assessor's Office and Spokane County Auditor's Office maintain these public records and provide various methods for accessing them, including in-person visits, online databases, and written requests.

Spokane County Assessor's Office
1116 W Broadway Ave
Spokane, WA 99260
509-477-3698
Spokane County Assessor's Office

How To Search Property Records in Spokane County in 2026

Spokane County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:

Online Property Information Search
- Visit the Spokane County Property Information Search portal
- Enter search criteria such as parcel number, owner name, or property address
- Review property details including ownership, valuation, and tax information
- Access property maps and related documents
In-Person Research
- Visit the Spokane County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM)
- Request assistance from staff at the Assessor's or Auditor's Office
- Use public terminals to search property databases
- Request copies of specific documents (fees may apply)
Written Requests
- Submit a written public records request to the appropriate county office
- Include specific information about the property (address, parcel number, etc.)
- Provide contact information for response
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
SCOUT Map System
- Access the Spokane County SCOUT Map for geographic information
- Search by parcel number, address, or navigate the interactive map
- View property boundaries, zoning, and other spatial data
- Link to associated property records

For complex searches or historical records, the Washington State Digital Archives provides access to digitized historical property records, including Spokane County Assessor's Real Property Record Cards dating back to the early 20th century.

How To Find Property Records in Spokane County Online?

Spokane County maintains comprehensive online systems for accessing property records digitally. The following step-by-step process enables efficient online property record searches:

Property Information Portal
- Navigate to the Spokane County Property Information Search website
- Select the appropriate search method:
  - Parcel number search (most precise)
  - Owner name search
  - Property address search
- Review search results and select the property of interest
- Access detailed property information including:
  - Current ownership
  - Property characteristics
  - Valuation history
  - Tax information
  - Legal description
Recorded Documents Search
- Visit the Spokane County Auditor's Public Record Index
- Create a free user account if accessing restricted documents
- Search by:
  - Name (grantor/grantee)
  - Document type
  - Recording date
  - Document number
- View document images online (some documents may require in-person viewing)
- Purchase certified copies if needed
Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Access the Spokane County SCOUT Map
- Search by address, parcel number, or navigate the map
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and zoning
- Access links to associated property records
- View aerial imagery and other geographic data layers
Historical Records
- Visit the Washington State Digital Archives
- Search for historical Spokane County property records
- Access digitized documents including historical assessor records
- View and download available document images

These online resources are available 24/7 and provide immediate access to most property records. For records not available online, contact the appropriate county office directly.

How To Look Up Spokane County Property Records for Free?

Spokane County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain property information without incurring fees:

Online Property Information Search
- The Spokane County Property Information Search portal is available at no charge
- Basic property information including ownership, valuation, and tax data is freely accessible
- Property characteristics, legal descriptions, and sales history can be viewed without fees
- No registration or account is required for basic searches
SCOUT Map System
- The Spokane County SCOUT Map provides free geographic property information
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and zoning information
- Access aerial imagery and other geographic data layers
- Link to associated property records at no cost
In-Person Research
- Visit the Spokane County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Use public terminals to search property databases at no charge
- Staff assistance for basic inquiries is provided without fees
- Self-service research is available at no cost
Washington State Digital Archives
- Access historical property records through the state's digital archives
- Search, view, and download available document images at no charge
- Research historical property information without fees

While basic property record searches are free, please note that fees may apply for:

Certified copies of documents
Large volume requests
Specialized research assistance
Printed maps or documents

The Spokane County Treasurer's Office also provides free access to property tax information, including payment history and current tax obligations.

What's Included in a Spokane County Property Record?

Spokane County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices and contain detailed information about property ownership, characteristics, and legal status.

Property records in Spokane County distinguish between:

Real Property - Land and permanently attached structures
Personal Property - Movable items used in business operations

The content of Spokane County property records typically includes:

Ownership Information
- Current and previous property owners
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase prices and transaction details
- Deed information and recording dates
Property Characteristics
- Legal description of the property
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building specifications (square footage, construction type, year built)
- Number of rooms, bathrooms, and other structural details
- Property improvements and additions
Valuation and Assessment Data
- Current assessed value
- Historical valuation trends
- Assessment methodology
- Property classification for tax purposes
- Exemptions or special assessments
Tax Information
- Current tax rates and amounts
- Payment history
- Delinquent taxes if applicable
- Tax statements and due dates
Legal Instruments
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special)
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and covenants
- Plats and surveys

Pursuant to Revised Code of Washington § 65.04.030, the county auditor must maintain an index of all recorded documents affecting real property, organized by both grantor and grantee names, as well as by legal description.

How Long Does Spokane County Keep Property Records?

Spokane County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of Revised Code of Washington § 40.14. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important property information while allowing for the disposition of obsolete records.

The retention periods for various property records in Spokane County include:

Deeds and Ownership Records: Permanent retention
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and other ownership transfers
- Original recorded documents maintained indefinitely
- Historical records may be transferred to the Washington State Archives
Property Tax Records: 7-10 years
- Tax statements and payment records
- Assessment rolls and valuation worksheets
- After the retention period, records are transferred to the State Archives
Building Permits and Inspections: Life of structure + 6 years
- Construction permits and plans
- Inspection reports and certificates of occupancy
- Records maintained for the life of the building plus 6 years
Property Maps and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Plat maps and subdivision records
- Survey documents and boundary determinations
- Historical maps preserved for their continuing value
Mortgage and Lien Records: Satisfaction + 10 years
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens and judgment liens
- Retained for 10 years after satisfaction or release

Historical property records dating back to the early 20th century have been digitized and are available through the Washington State Digital Archives, which serves as the permanent repository for historical government records throughout the state.

How To Find Liens on Property In Spokane County?

Liens on property in Spokane County can be identified through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred clear of the obligation. To locate liens on Spokane County property, follow these procedures:

Auditor's Records Search
- Access the Spokane County Auditor's Public Record Index
- Search by property owner name or parcel number
- Filter results by document type:
  - Tax liens
  - Judgment liens
  - Mechanic's liens
  - Federal tax liens
  - Child support liens
- Review document images for lien details including amount and creditor
Tax Lien Research
- Visit the Spokane County Treasurer's website
- Search property tax records by parcel number or address
- Check for delinquent taxes or special assessments
- Review tax statements for evidence of tax liens
- Note that property tax obligations automatically constitute a lien against the property
Court Records Search
- Check Spokane County Superior Court records for judgment liens
- Search by property owner name to identify civil judgments
- Verify if judgments have been recorded as liens against real property
- Note that judgments must be recorded with the County Auditor to become property liens
Title Company Reports
- Order a title search or preliminary title report from a licensed title company
- Professional title search will identify all recorded liens and encumbrances
- Title companies maintain current databases of property records
- This method provides the most comprehensive lien information but involves fees

Spokane County Treasurer's Office
1116 W Broadway Ave
Spokane, WA 99260
509-477-4713
Spokane County Treasurer's Office

What Is Property Owner Rule In Spokane County?

The Property Owner Rule in Spokane County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights and responsibilities under Washington state law. This rule encompasses several key principles that affect property owners within the county:

Recording Requirement
- Under Revised Code of Washington § 65.08.070, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded to be valid against subsequent purchasers
- Unrecorded conveyances are void against subsequent purchasers who record first
- This "race-notice" system protects those who properly record their interests
Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners are legally responsible for paying property taxes
- Tax statements are mailed annually with payments due April 30th and October 31st
- Property tax obligations run with the land, not the owner
- New owners assume responsibility for any delinquent taxes
Disclosure Requirements
- Sellers must provide buyers with a completed Seller Disclosure Statement
- This form requires disclosure of known defects and property conditions
- Failure to disclose material facts may constitute fraud or misrepresentation
- Certain exemptions apply to foreclosures and estate sales
Boundary Dispute Resolution
- Property boundaries are determined by legal descriptions in deeds
- Disputes between adjoining owners are resolved through:
  - Reference to recorded surveys and plats
  - Application of adverse possession principles
  - Boundary line agreements
  - Legal action if necessary
Homestead Exemption
- Washington law provides automatic homestead protection
- Primary residences receive protection from certain creditors
- Current exemption amount is $125,000 of equity
- Protection applies without formal declaration

Property owners in Spokane County should consult the Spokane County Assessor's Office for specific questions regarding property ownership rules and responsibilities. The county also provides homeowner information resources to assist property owners in understanding their rights and obligations.

Lookup Property Records in Spokane County

Property Information Search

Spokane County Assessor

Spokane County SCOUT Map

Recorded Documents Search

Historical Property Records

Property Tax Billing & Payments

Payment Information

Spokane County Treasurer

Tax Billing Due Dates and Statements

Homeowner Information

Washington Department of Revenue - County Assessor and Treasurer Websites

Washington State Digital Archives

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