Bristol County Property Records
What Is Bristol County Property Records
Bristol County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Bristol County, Massachusetts. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county's history. Property records in Bristol County are maintained pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 36, which establishes the requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.
The primary purposes of Bristol County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Creating permanent records of property transfers and encumbrances
The Bristol County Registry of Deeds is the official custodian of these records, maintaining comprehensive documentation of property ownership dating back to the county's establishment. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 36 § 14, the Register of Deeds is required to "keep all books, records, deeds and papers belonging to his office in good order and condition."
Bristol County Registry of Deeds - Northern District
11 Court Street
Taunton, MA 02780
508-822-2552
Bristol County Registry of Deeds
Bristol County Registry of Deeds - Southern District
25 North 6th Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-993-2605
Bristol County Registry of Deeds
Bristol County Registry of Deeds - Fall River District
441 North Main Street
Fall River, MA 02720
508-673-2910
Bristol County Registry of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Bristol County?
Property records in Bristol County are public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction. This public access is mandated by both Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66 § 10, the state's Public Records Law, and Chapter 36, which governs registries of deeds. The legal basis for this public access rests on several foundational principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency
- Public access to property records serves the public interest by facilitating commerce
- Open records promote accountability in property taxation and assessment
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66 § 10(a) explicitly states that "every person has a right of access to public records," which includes all property records maintained by Bristol County. The law further specifies that custodians of public records must "at reasonable times and without unreasonable delay permit inspection or furnish a copy of any public record."
Any member of the public may access Bristol County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This unrestricted access reflects the longstanding legal tradition that property ownership information must remain transparent and available to all citizens.
How To Search Property Records in Bristol County in 2026
Bristol County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Bristol County Registry of Deeds website
- Select the appropriate district (Northern, Southern, or Fall River)
- Navigate to the "Search Records" section
- Enter search criteria such as property address, owner name, or document number
- Review search results and select desired records
- View, download, or request copies of documents as needed
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit one of the three Bristol County Registry of Deeds offices during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request assistance from registry staff at the public research terminals
- Provide search criteria to locate relevant property records
- Review documents on-site using available resources
- Request official copies of documents if needed (fees may apply)
Mail or Phone Request Method:
- Contact the appropriate district registry office by phone or mail
- Provide specific information about the property records being sought
- Include contact information for response
- Submit applicable fees for document retrieval and copying
- Await delivery of requested documents
For complex searches or historical records, registry staff can provide guidance on the most effective search strategies. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 262 § 38, fees may apply for certain services, including certified copies of documents.
How To Find Property Records in Bristol County Online?
Bristol County provides comprehensive online access to property records through its electronic registry system. The following steps outline the process for finding property records online:
- Access the Massachusetts Land Records website
- Select "Bristol County" from the registry dropdown menu
- Choose the appropriate district (Northern, Southern, or Fall River)
- Create a free user account or log in as a guest
- Select the desired search type:
- Name search (grantor/grantee)
- Property search (address or parcel ID)
- Document search (by document number or type)
- Book and page search (for known references)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the search results displayed
- Select documents to view, download, or print
The online system provides access to:
- Property deeds and transfers
- Mortgages and mortgage discharges
- Liens and lien releases
- Easements and restrictions
- Plans and surveys
- Foreclosure documents
For records dated after 1950, the online system typically provides complete document images. For older records, index information may be available online, but document retrieval might require an in-person visit or special request. The Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office maintains this electronic registry system pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 36 § 14A.
How To Look Up Bristol County Property Records for Free?
Bristol County residents and other interested parties can access property records at no cost through several methods:
Free Online Access:
- The Massachusetts Land Records website provides free guest access to search and view property records
- No subscription or payment is required for basic searches and document viewing
- Users can search by name, address, or document information
- Document images can be viewed online without charge
- Printing or downloading documents may incur fees
Free In-Person Access:
- All three Bristol County Registry of Deeds locations offer free public access terminals
- Registry staff provide assistance to visitors at no charge
- On-site research can be conducted during regular business hours
- Self-service copying machines are available (copy fees apply)
Free Access Through Public Libraries:
- Many public libraries in Bristol County offer free internet access
- Library patrons can use public computers to access the online registry
- Library staff may provide assistance with basic searches
While basic access to property records is free, certain services do carry fees as established by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 262 § 38, including:
- Certified copies of documents
- Large-volume printing or downloading
- Research assistance beyond basic guidance
- Expedited service requests
The Bristol County Registry of Deeds maintains these free access options in compliance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, which mandates that public records be accessible to all citizens regardless of financial means.
What's Included in a Bristol County Property Record?
Bristol County property records encompass a wide range of documents that record interests in real property. Real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, while personal property (movable assets) is generally not included in these records. Multiple county offices maintain different aspects of property records, with the Registry of Deeds serving as the primary repository.
A comprehensive Bristol County property record typically includes:
Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure)
- Certificates of title
- Executor's deeds
- Trustee's deeds
- Tax taking documents
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and mortgage assignments
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Attachments
Property Rights and Restrictions:
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium documents
- Homeowners' association agreements
- Conservation restrictions
Property Description Documents:
- Property surveys and plot plans
- Subdivision plans
- Boundary line agreements
- Certificates of location
Each recorded document contains detailed information, including:
- Names of all parties (grantors and grantees)
- Legal description of the property
- Consideration paid (purchase price)
- Date of transaction
- Notarization and witness signatures
- Recording information (book/page or document number)
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183 § 6 requires that all instruments conveying or affecting an interest in real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to third parties. The Registry of Deeds maintains these records in accordance with state law.
How Long Does Bristol County Keep Property Records?
Bristol County maintains property records permanently, as required by Massachusetts state law. The Massachusetts Records Retention Schedule, established pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66 § 8, mandates that registries of deeds preserve property records indefinitely due to their ongoing legal and historical significance.
The retention periods for various property-related documents include:
- Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and mortgage discharges: Permanent retention
- Liens and lien releases: Permanent retention
- Easements and restrictions: Permanent retention
- Plans and surveys: Permanent retention
- Foreclosure documents: Permanent retention
- Probate property transfers: Permanent retention
The Massachusetts Archives provides oversight and guidance on records retention for all county offices, including the Registry of Deeds. While the physical storage methods have evolved over time, from handwritten ledgers to microfilm to digital records, the legal requirement for permanent retention remains unchanged.
For historical records dating back to the county's establishment, special preservation measures are employed to ensure their continued accessibility. These measures include:
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Microfilm backup of older records
- Digital scanning and indexing of historical documents
- Disaster recovery protocols to protect against loss
The permanent retention of property records serves multiple public interests, including establishing chain of title, resolving boundary disputes, and preserving the historical record of land ownership in Bristol County.
How To Find Liens on Property In Bristol County?
Liens on property in Bristol County can be identified through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against property that serves as security for a debt or obligation and may affect the transferability of ownership. Members of the public seeking to identify liens on specific properties should utilize the following methods:
Registry of Deeds Search:
- Access the Massachusetts Land Records website
- Select Bristol County and the appropriate district
- Search by property address or owner name
- Review results for recorded liens, including:
- Tax liens
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Child support liens
- Utility liens
Municipal Tax Collector Search:
- Contact the tax collector's office in the municipality where the property is located
- Request information about outstanding property tax liens
- Verify the current tax status of the property
- Obtain a municipal lien certificate if needed for a property transaction
Registry of Deeds In-Person Search:
- Visit the appropriate Bristol County Registry of Deeds office
- Request assistance with a comprehensive lien search
- Provide the property address and owner information
- Review all documents in the property's chain of title
- Obtain copies of any identified lien documents
Secretary of the Commonwealth - UCC Search:
- Access the Massachusetts UCC Search
- Search by debtor name to identify potential UCC financing statements
- Review results for liens that may affect fixtures on the property
For the most comprehensive lien search, many property professionals recommend combining these methods, as different types of liens may be recorded with different agencies. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 254 § 5 governs the recording of mechanics' liens, while Chapter 60 § 37 addresses tax liens on real property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Bristol County?
The Property Owner Rule in Bristol County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the rights and responsibilities of property owners under Massachusetts law. These regulations establish the framework for real property ownership throughout the county.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements:
Massachusetts follows the "race-notice" recording statute under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183 § 4, which provides that the first person to record a valid deed or other instrument at the Registry of Deeds without notice of prior unrecorded instruments obtains priority. This means:
- All property transfers must be recorded to establish legal priority
- Unrecorded deeds are valid between parties but may not be enforceable against third parties
- Recording provides "constructive notice" to the world of the property interest
Ownership Forms:
Property in Bristol County may be held in various forms of ownership:
- Fee simple (complete ownership)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Tenancy by the entirety (married couples only)
- Life estates
- Trust ownership
Property Tax Obligations:
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59 § 11, property owners are responsible for:
- Annual payment of assessed property taxes
- Timely response to tax assessments
- Compliance with tax abatement procedures if contesting valuation
Disclosure Requirements:
When selling property, owners must comply with:
- Massachusetts lead paint disclosure requirements for pre-1978 housing
- Seller's disclosure of known material defects
- Disclosure of any outstanding municipal code violations
Adverse Possession:
Massachusetts recognizes adverse possession under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260 § 21, which allows a person to claim ownership of land after 20 years of open, notorious, exclusive, adverse, and continuous possession.
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses regulations regarding boundary disputes, easements, restrictive covenants, and other matters affecting real property rights. Property owners in Bristol County should consult with legal professionals regarding specific questions about property ownership rules and their application to particular circumstances.
Lookup Property Records in Bristol County
Bristol County Registry of Deeds
Bristol County Tax Assessment Records