Arlington County Property Records
What Is Arlington County Property Records
Arlington County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Arlington County, Virginia. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records in Arlington County are maintained pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 55.1-2500, which establishes the legal framework for recording real estate transactions.
The primary purposes of Arlington 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 Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of property records for the county, maintaining a comprehensive system of documents dating back to the county's formation.
Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-7010
Arlington County Circuit Court
Property records in Arlington County include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and other documents affecting real property interests. These records collectively form the legal foundation of real estate ownership in the county.
Are Property Records Public Information In Arlington County?
Property records in Arlington County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Virginia law. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700) establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Property records are not among the exempted categories.
The public nature of property records is further reinforced by the Virginia Real Property Electronic Recording Act (Code of Virginia § 55.1-661), which facilitates electronic recording while maintaining public accessibility.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public records support real estate markets and property transactions
Members of the public may access Arlington County property records without demonstrating any specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy aligns with Virginia's commitment to government transparency and the public's right to information.
How To Search Property Records in Arlington County in 2026
Arlington County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Individuals seeking property information may utilize the following procedures:
Online Search Portal
The Arlington County Real Estate Assessment Office maintains a comprehensive online database of property records that is accessible to the public. To search property records online:
- Visit the Arlington County Real Estate Database
- Select a search method (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the property information displayed
- Access detailed property data including assessment values, ownership history, and property characteristics
In-Person Research
For more comprehensive research or to view original documents:
- Visit the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form at the public service counter
- Provide specific information about the property of interest
- Staff will assist in locating the relevant records
- Review documents on-site or request copies (fees may apply)
Arlington County Department of Real Estate Assessments
2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 611
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-3920
Arlington County Real Estate Assessments
Mail or Email Requests
For those unable to search online or visit in person:
- Submit a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Include specific property information (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Provide contact information for response
- Enclose applicable fees for document copies
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing
Currently, Arlington County charges nominal fees for copies of property records: $0.50 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies of recorded documents.
How To Find Property Records in Arlington County Online?
Arlington County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The county has invested in modern information systems that allow residents and interested parties to access property information remotely.
The primary online resources for Arlington County property records include:
Arlington County Real Estate Database
This is the most comprehensive resource for current property information:
- Navigate to the Arlington County Real Estate Database
- Search by address, owner name, neighborhood, or parcel ID
- Access detailed property information including:
- Current ownership
- Property values and assessment history
- Building characteristics
- Sales history
- Land records
- Tax information
Arlington County Land Records Research System
For historical documents and recorded instruments:
- Visit the Arlington County Circuit Court Land Records
- Register for an account (free for basic searches)
- Search by name, document type, or recording date
- View document indices and summaries
- Request copies of specific documents (fees apply)
Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping
For property boundaries and spatial information:
- Access the Arlington County GIS Mapping Center
- Use the interactive map to locate properties
- View parcel boundaries, zoning designations, and other geographic data
- Link to property record information from map features
Virginia Secure Remote Access System
For comprehensive access to land records across Virginia:
- Register with the Virginia Secure Remote Access (SRA) system
- Complete the subscription process (fees apply for full access)
- Search Arlington County land records
- View and download official recorded documents
Online access to Arlington County property records is available 24 hours a day, though some systems may have scheduled maintenance periods. Technical support for online systems is available during regular business hours through the respective county departments.
How To Look Up Arlington County Property Records for Free?
Arlington County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property records information. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain essential property data without incurring fees.
Free Online Resources:
The Arlington County Real Estate Database offers free public access to:
- Property ownership information
- Assessment values
- Building characteristics
- Sales history
- Zoning information
- Tax district data
To access this information at no cost:
- Visit the Arlington County Property Search Portal
- No registration or account is required
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View and print basic property information
Public Access Terminals:
Free on-site access is available at:
Arlington County Central Library
1015 N. Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-5990
Arlington Public Library
The library provides public computer terminals with access to county databases during regular library hours. Library staff can provide basic assistance with navigating the systems.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office Public Terminals:
- Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office during business hours
- Use the public access computers in the research area
- Search land records indices at no charge
- View basic document information
- Note that printing or obtaining certified copies will incur fees
Mobile Applications:
Arlington County's property information is also accessible through:
- The free Arlington VA mobile app
- Available for iOS and Android devices
- Provides basic property information and links to county services
While basic property information is available at no cost, fees apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Extensive research assistance
- Bulk data downloads
- Subscription services for professional users
Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, certain nominal fees may be charged to recover the actual cost of producing records, but the county strives to provide basic property information at no cost to promote transparency and public access.
What's Included in a Arlington County Property Record?
Arlington 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.
Types of Property Records:
Arlington County distinguishes between:
- Real property records (land and permanently attached structures)
- Personal property records (movable assets like vehicles and business equipment)
Real property records are primarily maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and the Department of Real Estate Assessments, while personal property records are handled by the Commissioner of Revenue.
Detailed Information in Property Records:
A complete Arlington County property record typically includes:
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description
- Street address
- Lot and block numbers
- Subdivision information
- Survey references
Physical Characteristics:
- Land area (acreage or square footage)
- Building size and dimensions
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Construction type and materials
- Year built and major renovations
- Architectural features
- Utilities and infrastructure connections
Financial Information:
- Purchase price
- Current assessed value
- Assessment history
- Tax information
- Mortgage records
- Liens and encumbrances
Legal Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special)
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Plats and surveys
- Tax liens
- Mechanics liens
- Judgments affecting title
- Foreclosure notices
The content and organization of property records in Arlington County are governed by the Code of Virginia § 17.1-227, which establishes requirements for recording, indexing, and maintaining land records.
How Long Does Arlington County Keep Property Records?
Arlington County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia and the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia § 42.1-76). These schedules ensure the preservation of essential property records while allowing for the disposition of temporary records.
Permanent Records:
The following property records are maintained permanently:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Property maps
- Original tax maps
- Historic property inventories
These permanent records are preserved through multiple methods, including:
- Original paper documents
- Microfilm/microfiche backup
- Digital scanning and electronic storage
- Secure off-site backup systems
Long-Term Retention Records:
Some property records are maintained for extended periods but not permanently:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy (25 years after issuance)
- Property tax assessment records (10 years after superseded)
- Zoning compliance certificates (10 years after issuance)
- Temporary easements (7 years after expiration)
- Building inspection reports (5 years after final inspection)
Historical Records:
Arlington County maintains property records dating back to the county's formation in 1847. Historical records are available through:
- The Arlington County Historical Archives
- The Virginia Room at the Arlington Central Library
- The Library of Virginia's local records collection
The county's records retention practices comply with the Library of Virginia Records Retention and Disposition Schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for all local government records in Virginia.
Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of Arlington County's historical property records, with priority given to records of significant historical or legal importance.
How To Find Liens on Property In Arlington County?
Liens on property in Arlington County are recorded as public documents and can be researched through several official channels. A lien search is an essential component of due diligence in real estate transactions, as liens represent claims against property that may affect ownership rights.
Types of Liens Recorded in Arlington County:
- Tax liens (federal, state, and local)
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics liens
- Homeowners association liens
- Child support liens
- Special assessment liens
- Utility liens
- Environmental liens
Circuit Court Records Search:
The most comprehensive method for finding liens is through the Arlington County Circuit Court:
- Visit the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Request a lien search at the Land Records Division
- Provide the property owner's name and/or property address
- Staff will search the judgment lien index and land records
- Review the documents identified in the search
- Request copies of relevant lien documents (fees apply)
Online Lien Search:
For remote research of potential liens:
- Access the Arlington County Land Records Database
- Search by property owner name
- Filter results by document type (select "liens" or specific lien categories)
- Review the index information for potential liens
- Note the book and page or instrument number for identified liens
- Request copies of the complete documents if needed
Tax Lien Research:
For tax liens specifically:
- Visit the Arlington County Treasurer's Office website
- Search the delinquent tax database by property address or owner name
- Contact the Treasurer's Office for verification of current status
Arlington County Treasurer's Office
2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 201
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-4000
Arlington County Treasurer
Professional Lien Search Services:
For comprehensive lien searches, particularly for real estate transactions:
- Engage a title company or attorney specializing in real estate
- Provide the property information for a professional title search
- Receive a title report identifying all recorded liens and encumbrances
- Obtain title insurance to protect against undiscovered liens
Arlington County updates lien records daily as new documents are recorded. However, there may be a processing delay between when a lien is filed and when it appears in searchable records. For the most current information, direct contact with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office is recommended.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Arlington County?
Arlington County adheres to Virginia's property ownership laws while implementing specific local regulations that govern property rights and responsibilities. These rules establish the framework for property ownership, use, and transfer within the county.
Basic Property Ownership Principles:
Under Virginia law and Arlington County regulations, property ownership encompasses:
- The right to possess and occupy the property
- The right to use the property within legal limitations
- The right to exclude others from the property
- The right to transfer ownership through sale, gift, or inheritance
These rights are subject to limitations established by:
- State law
- Local ordinances
- Zoning regulations
- Recorded covenants and restrictions
- Easements and encumbrances
Arlington County Property Owner Responsibilities:
Property owners in Arlington County must comply with:
-
Property Maintenance Requirements
- Maintain structures in safe condition per the Arlington County Code Chapter 8 (Building Code)
- Control vegetation and maintain yards
- Remove snow from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours
- Properly dispose of waste and prevent nuisances
-
Tax Obligations
- Pay real estate taxes semi-annually (due June 15 and October 5)
- Report property improvements that affect value
- Apply for applicable tax exemptions or deferrals if eligible
-
Land Use Compliance
- Adhere to zoning district requirements
- Obtain permits for construction, renovation, or demolition
- Comply with historic district guidelines where applicable
- Observe setback requirements and height limitations
Property Transfer Requirements:
When transferring property in Arlington County:
- All deeds must be properly executed and acknowledged
- A Virginia Real Estate Transfer Tax Return must be filed
- Applicable transfer taxes must be paid
- The deed must be recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk
- Property transfer information must be reported to the Department of Real Estate Assessments
Special Ownership Considerations:
Arlington County has specific regulations regarding:
- Condominium and cooperative ownership
- Rental property registration and tenant rights
- Short-term rental restrictions
- Accessory dwelling units
- Home-based business operations
These regulations are detailed in the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance and are administered by the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development.
Arlington County Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development
2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-3525
Arlington County CPHD