Denver County Property Records
What Is Denver County Property Records
Denver County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Denver County, Colorado. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35-109, all instruments affecting title to real property must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice to the public.
Property records in Denver County fulfill several essential functions:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Protect property rights through official documentation
- Facilitate real estate transactions and property transfers
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Enable mortgage lending and property financing
The Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office maintains the official repository of property records for Denver County, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real property interests.
Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 101
Denver, CO 80202
720-865-8400
Denver Clerk and Recorder
Are Property Records Public Information In Denver County?
Property records in Denver County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Colorado law. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), codified in Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-201, establishes that all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, with limited exceptions. Property records specifically fall under this public access mandate.
The public nature of property records is founded on several legal principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates property transactions and market efficiency
Any member of the public may access Denver County property records without demonstrating a specific interest or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy applies to all property records maintained by county offices, including the Assessor's Office, Clerk and Recorder's Office, and Treasurer's Office.
The Denver City and County Assessor maintains property valuation records that are fully accessible to the public, allowing citizens to view assessment information, property characteristics, and tax district information.
How To Search Property Records in Denver County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search Denver County property records may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office provides comprehensive access to property records through multiple channels:
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Online Records Search
- Visit the Denver Records Search portal
- Create a free account or log in as a guest
- Select "Property Records" from the search options
- Enter search criteria (name, address, document number, etc.)
- View and download available documents
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In-Person Research
- Visit the Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office during public counter hours
- Use public terminals to search the property records database
- Request assistance from records staff if needed
- Obtain copies of documents for a nominal fee
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Written Requests
- Submit a written request to the Clerk and Recorder's Office
- Include specific search criteria and document needs
- Provide contact information for response
- Include payment for applicable fees
Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office - Recording Division
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 101
Denver, CO 80202
720-865-8400
Denver Clerk and Recorder
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
For property tax and assessment records, the Denver Assessor's Office maintains a separate database that can be searched by property address, owner name, or parcel number.
How To Find Property Records in Denver County Online?
Denver County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several official portals. The primary methods for finding property records online include:
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Denver Property Taxation Records
- Access the Denver Property Taxation website
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel number
- View property details, valuation history, and tax information
- Access property maps and comparable sales data
- Download assessment notices and tax statements
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Denver Clerk and Recorder's Records Search
- Navigate to the Denver Records Search portal
- Select "Property Records" from the search options
- Search by grantor/grantee name, property address, or document number
- Filter results by document type and date range
- View document images and download copies (fees may apply)
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Denver GIS Property Information Map
- Visit the Denver Property Information Map
- Search by address or navigate the interactive map
- View property boundaries, zoning, and basic ownership information
- Access links to detailed property records
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Denver County Court Records
- Access the Colorado Judicial Branch website for property-related court cases
- Search for foreclosures, property disputes, and probate records
- View case information and scheduled hearings
When searching online, users should have specific information ready, such as the property address, owner name, or parcel identification number to facilitate efficient searches. Most basic property information is available at no cost, while document copies and certified records may require payment of statutory fees through the online system.
How To Look Up Denver County Property Records for Free?
Denver County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain basic property information without incurring fees:
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Denver Assessor's Property Search
- Visit the Denver Assessor's Property Search
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel number
- Access property characteristics, valuation data, and tax district information
- View property photos and basic ownership details
- No fees or registration required for basic information
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Denver Public Library Resources
- Visit any Denver Public Library location
- Access public computers with internet connection
- Utilize library databases with historical property information
- Request assistance from reference librarians for property research
- Library card holders may access additional resources remotely
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Denver GIS Property Map
- Access the Denver Property Information Map
- View property boundaries, zoning, and basic ownership data
- Access neighborhood information and property characteristics
- No fees or login required
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In-Person Terminal Access
- Visit the Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office
- Use public terminals to search property records
- View document images on-screen at no charge
- Pay fees only if printed copies are needed
Denver Public Library - Central Library
10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy.
Denver, CO 80204
720-865-1111
Denver Public Library
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
While basic property record searches are free, fees may apply for document copies, certified records, or extensive research assistance. The Colorado Department of Revenue provides information on payment options when fees are applicable.
What's Included in a Denver County Property Record?
Denver County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with different county offices maintaining specific types of records.
Property records typically include the following information:
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Ownership Documents
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Transfer declarations
- Ownership history and chain of title
- Legal description of the property
- Plat maps and surveys
-
Financial Encumbrances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
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Assessment Information
- Property valuation data
- Tax assessment history
- Property classification
- Improvement details
- Land characteristics
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Tax Records
- Current and historical tax rates
- Payment history
- Special assessments
- Tax exemptions and abatements
- Delinquent tax status
Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35-122, property records must include specific information to be legally valid, including proper legal descriptions, notarization, and recording information. The Colorado State Treasury provides additional information about property tax programs and exemptions that may be reflected in property records.
Property records are maintained by multiple county offices, including:
- Clerk and Recorder (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Assessor (valuations, classifications, characteristics)
- Treasurer (tax billing, payments, delinquencies)
- Planning/Zoning (land use, permits, variances)
How Long Does Denver County Keep Property Records?
Denver County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Colorado state law and county ordinances. The retention periods vary based on document type and historical significance:
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Permanent Records (Never Destroyed)
- Deeds and conveyances
- Plat maps and surveys
- Subdivision maps
- Original property indexes
- Historical property records (pre-1900)
- Mineral rights documentation
-
Long-Term Records (50+ Years)
- Mortgage and trust deed records (50 years after satisfaction)
- Tax assessment rolls (75 years)
- Property valuation worksheets (50 years)
- Annexation records (75 years)
-
Medium-Term Records (10-49 Years)
- Building permits (life of structure + 10 years)
- Zoning variances (25 years)
- Special assessments (10 years after paid)
- Tax liens (10 years after release)
-
Short-Term Records (Less than 10 years)
- Temporary easements (duration + 3 years)
- Property inspection reports (5 years)
- Routine correspondence (3 years)
The Colorado State Archives establishes retention guidelines under Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-80-102, which mandates minimum retention periods for government records, including property records. Denver County may maintain records longer than the minimum requirements, particularly for historically significant properties.
Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older property records in electronic format, ensuring their long-term accessibility while protecting the original documents from deterioration. The Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office has digitized most property records dating back to the 1850s.
How To Find Liens on Property In Denver County?
Locating liens on property in Denver County requires searching records maintained by multiple government offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred. Members of the public may search for liens using these methods:
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Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office
- Access the Denver Records Search portal
- Search by property address or owner name
- Select "Liens" as the document type filter
- Review results for tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanics' liens
- Request certified copies if needed for legal purposes
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Denver County Court Records
- Search the Colorado Judicial Branch records for judgment liens
- Check civil case records for pending litigation affecting property
- Review probate court records for estate-related liens
- Examine foreclosure filings that may affect title
-
Denver Treasurer's Office
- Check for property tax liens and special assessments
- Review delinquent tax records
- Verify tax certificate sales affecting the property
- Confirm local improvement district assessments
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State and Federal Tax Liens
- Search for Colorado Department of Revenue tax liens
- Check for IRS federal tax liens recorded against property owners
- Verify release or satisfaction of governmental liens
Denver Treasurer's Office
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 1001
Denver, CO 80202
720-913-9300
Denver Treasury Division
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
For comprehensive lien searches, many property buyers utilize professional title companies that conduct thorough examinations of all potential encumbrances. These searches typically include all recorded liens as well as unrecorded liens that may affect title, such as pending litigation or probate matters.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Denver County?
The Property Owner Rule in Denver County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the county. These rules are established through state statutes, local ordinances, and case law.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirements
- All property transfers must be properly recorded with the Denver Clerk and Recorder
- Unrecorded conveyances are valid between parties but may not provide notice to third parties
- Documents must meet formatting standards per Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35-109
- Recording establishes priority of interests in property
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Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners are responsible for timely payment of property taxes
- Tax liens have priority over most other liens
- Property may be subject to tax sale after three years of delinquency
- Special districts may impose additional tax assessments
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Disclosure Requirements
- Sellers must disclose known material defects
- Environmental hazards must be disclosed (lead, asbestos, etc.)
- Historic designation status must be communicated
- Special tax districts must be disclosed to buyers
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Ownership Forms
- Fee simple (complete ownership)
- Joint tenancy (right of survivorship)
- Tenancy in common (divisible interests)
- Life estates (limited duration ownership)
- Trust ownership (beneficial interests)
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Transfer Requirements
- Valid deed with proper legal description
- Documentary fee payment based on property value
- Compliance with subdivision regulations
- Proper execution and acknowledgment
Denver County property owners should be aware that Colorado follows the "race-notice" recording statute, meaning that the first person to record a valid deed without notice of prior unrecorded interests generally has priority. This principle underscores the importance of promptly recording all property documents with the Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office.
Lookup Property Records in Denver County
Denver City and County Assessor - Division of Property Taxation
Colorado Department of Revenue Online Payment Portal