Hennepin County Property Records
What Is Hennepin County Property Records
Hennepin County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Hennepin County, Minnesota. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records establish legal ownership through a chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 507.01, the recording of instruments affecting real estate is governed by state law, which mandates the maintenance of comprehensive property records. The Hennepin County Recorder's Office is the designated custodian of these records and is responsible for recording, maintaining, and providing public access to property documents.
Property records in Hennepin County include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's)
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Liens and lien releases
- Easements
- Plats and surveys
- Certificates of real estate value
- Property tax records
- Assessment information
These records collectively form the foundation of real property ownership in Hennepin County and provide essential information for property transactions, taxation, and land use planning.
Hennepin County Recorder's Office
A-600 Government Center
300 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-3011
Hennepin County Recorder
Are Property Records Public Information In Hennepin County?
Property records in Hennepin County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Minnesota law. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13) establishes that government data shall be public unless classified otherwise by state or federal law. Property records fall under this public classification.
Additionally, Minnesota Statutes § 507.24 specifically addresses the recording of real estate documents and mandates public accessibility. The legal basis for this public access includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency in land ownership
- Public access serves the public interest by facilitating property transactions and preventing fraud
- Any member of the public can access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
The Hennepin County Recorder's Office maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person services and online platforms. This transparency in property records supports the integrity of the real estate market and protects the interests of property owners and the general public.
At present, while most property records are fully public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections under Minnesota law. However, the essential information regarding property ownership, legal descriptions, and encumbrances remains accessible to all.
How To Search Property Records in Hennepin County in 2026
Members of the public may search Hennepin County property records through multiple channels. The county maintains comprehensive systems for accessing property information both in person and remotely.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Hennepin County Government Center's Property Records division during regular business hours
- Complete a property records request form available at the service counter
- Provide specific information such as property address, owner name, or Property Identification Number (PIN)
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents (currently $1.00 per page for standard copies)
For telephone requests:
- Contact the Property Records division at 612-348-3011
- Provide specific property information to the staff member
- Request documents to be sent by mail (additional fees apply)
- Pay by credit card for expedited service
For mail requests:
- Submit a written request to the Property Records division
- Include specific property information and requested documents
- Enclose a check for applicable fees
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing
The county also offers property information search capabilities that allow users to find detailed information about properties including tax statements, assessment values, and ownership information.
Hennepin County Property Records Division
A-600 Government Center
300 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-3011
Hennepin County Property Records
How To Find Property Records in Hennepin County Online?
Hennepin County provides comprehensive online access to property records through its official web portal. The digital system allows users to search and retrieve property information efficiently without visiting county offices.
To access property records online:
- Navigate to the Hennepin County Property Information Search portal
- Select the appropriate search method:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Property Identification Number (PIN)
- Plat name or number
- Certificate of Title number
- Enter the search criteria in the corresponding fields
- Review the search results and select the specific property
- Access available property information including ownership details, property assessment values, and tax information
For more detailed property documents such as deeds and mortgages:
- Visit the Hennepin County Recorder's Office online portal
- Create a user account if accessing non-public documents
- Search by name, document number, or property description
- Select documents for viewing or purchase
- Pay applicable fees for certified copies or downloads
The online system provides access to property tax information including current and delinquent taxes, special assessments, and payment options. Users can also access the Property Information Search through the City of Minneapolis website for properties within city limits.
Online access is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability during off-peak hours.
How To Look Up Hennepin County Property Records for Free?
Hennepin County offers several options for accessing property records at no cost to the public. These free resources provide basic property information, though fees may apply for certain detailed documents or certified copies.
Free property record access options include:
- Public computer terminals at the Hennepin County Government Center
- Public access computers at Hennepin County libraries
- Basic online property information searches through the county website
- Limited property information through the Property Information Search portal
To use the free public terminals:
- Visit any Hennepin County Government Center or library location during regular business hours
- No appointment is necessary for basic searches
- Staff can provide assistance with navigating the search system
- Basic property information is viewable at no charge
- Print fees may apply if hard copies are needed
For free online searches:
- Access the Hennepin County property information portal
- Use the basic search functions by address, owner name, or PIN
- View summary property information including:
- Current ownership
- Property address and legal description
- Property assessment values
- Property tax amounts
- Building characteristics
While basic property information is available at no cost, fees apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Extensive document searches
- Bulk data requests
- Historical document retrieval beyond standard search parameters
Hennepin County Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-543-8000
Hennepin County Library
What's Included in a Hennepin County Property Record?
Hennepin County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county boundaries. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets not attached to land).
Property records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Recorder's Office, Assessor's Office, and Property Tax division. Collectively, these records provide a complete profile of each property.
A typical Hennepin County property record includes:
- Legal description of the property
- Property Identification Number (PIN)
- Current and historical ownership information
- Purchase price and date of acquisition
- Deed information and type (warranty, quitclaim, etc.)
- Mortgage details and lender information
- Tax parcel identification
- Property tax assessment and payment history
- Market value and assessed value
- Building characteristics (square footage, number of rooms, etc.)
- Year built and major improvements
- Zoning classification
- Plat maps and surveys
- Easements and encroachments
- Liens and judgments
- Special assessments
- Tax forfeiture status (if applicable)
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 272.115, Certificates of Real Estate Value must be filed with the county when property is sold, providing additional information about sale prices and property transfers.
Property records may also include environmental information, flood zone designations, and historical property use in certain cases. The comprehensiveness of these records ensures transparency in property ownership and facilitates informed real estate transactions.
How Long Does Hennepin County Keep Property Records?
Hennepin County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Minnesota state law and county policies. These retention periods vary by document type, with many property records being preserved permanently due to their ongoing legal and historical significance.
The Minnesota Records Retention Schedule for Counties (Minnesota Statutes § 138.17) establishes the minimum retention requirements for government records, including property documents. Hennepin County adheres to these requirements and in many cases exceeds them.
Current retention periods for common property records include:
- Deeds and ownership transfers: Permanent retention
- Mortgage documents: Permanent retention
- Property tax records: 10 years after paid or discharged
- Tax forfeiture records: Permanent retention
- Property assessment records: 10 years
- Building permits: Life of the structure plus 10 years
- Zoning variances and conditional use permits: Permanent retention
- Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
- Easements: Permanent retention
- Liens: 10 years after satisfaction or expiration
Historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1852 have been preserved and are available through the county archives. Many historical records have been digitized for preservation and easier access.
The Minnesota Historical Society also maintains copies of certain historical property records as part of the state's archival collection, providing redundancy for these important documents.
Hennepin County Archives
870 Government Center
300 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-8600
Hennepin County Archives
How To Find Liens on Property In Hennepin County?
Liens on property in Hennepin County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold, and identifying existing liens is a crucial step in property transactions.
To search for liens on Hennepin County property:
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Access the Hennepin County Recorder's Office lien records:
- Visit the Recorder's Office in person
- Use the online property records search portal
- Search by property address, owner name, or PIN
- Review the "Encumbrances" section of property records
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Check for tax liens:
- Search the property tax records through the county website
- Look for delinquent tax notifications
- Contact the Hennepin County Tax Division directly
-
Search for judgment liens:
- Check court records through the Minnesota Judicial Branch website
- Search by property owner name
- Review civil judgment records that may affect the property
-
Verify mechanic's liens:
- Search specifically for mechanic's liens filed by contractors
- These are typically filed within 120 days of work completion
- Check both the property address and owner name
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Request a property lien search report:
- Professional title companies offer comprehensive lien searches
- Fees typically range from $75-$200 depending on complexity
- Reports include all recorded liens against the property
Common types of liens found in Hennepin County include:
- Tax liens (property, income, or business taxes)
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Child support liens
- Homeowners Association (HOA) liens
- Special assessment liens
Hennepin County Examiner of Titles
C-700 Government Center
300 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-3191
Hennepin County Examiner of Titles
What Is Property Owner Rule In Hennepin County?
The Property Owner Rule in Hennepin County refers to the regulations governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the rights and responsibilities of property owners within the county. These rules are established through Minnesota state statutes and county ordinances.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirements: Under Minnesota Statutes § 507.34, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the county recorder to provide notice to third parties. Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers.
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Ownership Verification: Property owners must be properly identified in county records. Legal entities such as corporations and LLCs must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State before acquiring property.
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Property Tax Responsibility: Property owners are legally responsible for paying property taxes regardless of whether they receive a tax statement. Tax liability follows the property, not the individual.
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Torrens vs. Abstract Property: Hennepin County maintains two property registration systems:
- Torrens property (registered land) with ownership certified by the state
- Abstract property with ownership determined through historical title examination
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Disclosure Requirements: When selling property, owners must provide certain disclosures about property condition and known defects as required by Minnesota law.
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Homestead Classification: Property owners occupying their property as a primary residence may apply for homestead classification, which may provide tax benefits.
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Special Assessments: Property owners are responsible for special assessments levied for public improvements that benefit their property.
The Property Owner Rule also addresses boundary disputes, adverse possession claims, and property access rights. Property owners should consult with legal professionals regarding specific property ownership issues, as the rules can be complex and situation-dependent.
Hennepin County Property Tax Division
A-600 Government Center
300 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-3011
Hennepin County Property Tax