Perry County Public Records /Perry County Property Records

Perry County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Perry County in 2026

PerryCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Perry County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessments, liens, mortgage filings, and property characteristics. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the source and the age of the document in question.

Property records in Perry County may be searched through the following official resources:

Perry County Clerk's Office — recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens
Perry County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) — assessment data, ownership information, and property characteristics
Kentucky Court of Justice – Perry County — court-related property filings such as lis pendens and judgment liens
Perry County Fiscal Court — county government records and fiscal documents
City of Hazard Open Records Portal — municipal records for properties within the City of Hazard

Members of the public may access property records through multiple methods:

Online searches — the most convenient option for recent records
In-person visits — required for certified copies and older documents
By mail — written requests submitted to the appropriate office
Through professionals — title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers

Online Search Methods

Perry County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA)

The PVA maintains the primary database for property assessment information in Perry County. Members of the public may search at no cost and without registration.

Search options include:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel ID number
Map or GIS location

Information available through the PVA includes current owner name and mailing address, legal description, parcel number, land use and zoning classification, property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type), assessed value of land and improvements, taxable value, exemptions applied, and sales history.

How to search the PVA database:

Navigate to the Kentucky PVA directory and select Perry County
Choose a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
Enter the search criteria
Review the results list
Select a property to view the full property card, maps, and sales history
Print or save the information as needed

Perry County Clerk's Office — Official Records Search

The Perry County Clerk's Office maintains recorded instruments affecting real property. As stated on the office's official page, "County clerks across the Commonwealth of Kentucky strive to provide essential services in a friendly efficient manner in accordance with the Constitution of Kentucky." Basic searches are available to the public; fees may apply for document images or certified copies.

Searchable by:

Grantor name (seller)
Grantee name (buyer)
Book and page number
Document type
Recording date range
Instrument number

Documents available include:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Easements and declarations of restrictions
Plats and surveys
Powers of attorney affecting property
Lis pendens filings
HOA documents

How to search recorded documents:

Visit the Perry County Clerk's Office in person or contact the office for online access options
Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
Enter the search criteria
Review results and note the book and page or instrument number
Request document images or certified copies as needed

GIS / Mapping System

Perry County provides access to geographic information through the Kentucky Geographic Information Advisory Council (KYGIS), which offers interactive mapping, aerial photography, property boundary overlays, zoning layers, and flood zone designations. Members of the public may navigate the map to a specific location, click on a parcel, and view linked property information.

In-Person Searches

Perry County Clerk's Office
481 Main Street, Suite 100
Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: (606) 436-4614
Perry County Clerk's Office

Services available in person include viewing official recorded instruments, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document retrieval.

Perry County Property Valuation Administrator
481 Main Street, Suite 236
Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: (606) 436-4914
Kentucky PVA Directory

Services include access to public terminals, property cards, maps and plats, and staff assistance with assessment inquiries and exemption applications.

Perry County Sheriff's Office (Tax Collection)
481 Main Street
Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: (606) 436-6144
Perry County Fiscal Court

In Kentucky, property tax collection is administered through the County Sheriff's office. Services include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, and delinquency information.

By Mail Requests

Perry County Clerk's Office (Mail)
481 Main Street, Suite 100
Hazard, KY 41701

To request copies of recorded documents by mail, members of the public should specify the document by book and page number or instrument number, include the property address and approximate date range, enclose payment for applicable copy fees, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.

Through Professionals

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and provide abstracts of title and title insurance commitments, identifying all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys offer legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Licensed appraisers and real estate agents may access MLS data and comparable sales information as part of their professional services.

Search Tips

When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations, including maiden names and business entity names
When searching by legal description, use the exact subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section, township, and range designations as they appear on the deed
For historical records not available online, contact the Perry County Clerk's Office directly; staff can assist with retrieval from microfilm or archived record books

What Is Perry County Property Records

Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government as permanent legal records of ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. These records are essential for establishing clear title and are accessible to any member of the public.

Purpose of Property Records:

Establish legal ownership and chain of title
Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
Document property transfers and sale prices
Support property tax assessment and collection
Protect property rights and enable title insurance
Facilitate real estate transactions

Types of Property Records

Ownership Records:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Transfer records and ownership history

Encumbrance Records:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
Easements, restrictions, and covenants
HOA documents and lis pendens filings

Tax and Assessment Records:

Property tax assessments and tax bills
Payment history and exemption records
Special assessments and delinquency records

Legal Descriptions:

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
Lot and block information

Building and Permit Records:

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Code violations and zoning designations

Who Maintains Property Records

County Clerk of Court / County Recorder — The Perry County Clerk's Office records, indexes, and maintains all official instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens.

Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) — The PVA maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 132.420, which governs the assessment of real property in the Commonwealth.

County Sheriff — The Sheriff's office administers property tax collection and maintains tax payment and delinquency records.

Building and Planning Department — Permits, inspections, zoning records, and code enforcement matters are maintained by the applicable municipal or county planning authority.

Legal Framework

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 382.110, all instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the County Clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. The recording system is the legal foundation for property rights in Kentucky, ensuring that all interests in land are documented in a publicly accessible, permanent record.

Are Property Records Public Information in Perry County?

Property records in Perry County are public information. Under Kentucky's Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., all public agency records are presumed open to inspection by any person, and property records maintained by the County Clerk and PVA are expressly subject to public access. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to inspect or obtain copies of property records.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS § 61.870 et seq.)
Kentucky recording statutes (KRS § 382.110)
Common law tradition of public land records
Centuries-old practice in American property law

Why Property Records Are Public:

Transparency: The public has a recognized right to know who owns real property, how it is assessed, and what encumbrances affect it. Transparent land records prevent fraudulent transfers and support accountability in property taxation.

Commercial Purposes: Open property records enable real estate transactions, title searches, property appraisals, market analysis, and mortgage lending. The real estate industry depends on the public availability of these records.

Legal Protections: Recording instruments provides constructive notice to all subsequent parties, establishes chain of title, and protects against fraudulent conveyances. The priority of competing interests in property is determined by recording date.

Public Interest: Property records support community planning, historical and genealogical research, journalistic investigation, and tax assessment transparency.

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical ownership
Legal descriptions and property addresses
Sale prices and transfer amounts
Recorded mortgage amounts
Liens and encumbrances
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
Deeds and all recorded instruments
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under state and federal law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable Kentucky statutes. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the PVA directly for applicable policies.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any person may access property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Commercial aggregation of public property records is legally permitted. Companies such as CoreLogic and First American compile property data from public sources and offer subscription-based access. Such use is lawful, though anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern how information may be used.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Perry County?

Members of the public may inspect property records at the Perry County Clerk's Office at no charge. Fees apply for copies and certified copies of recorded instruments.

Standard Fee Schedule (Perry County Clerk's Office):

Service	Current Fee
Inspection of records	No charge
Standard copy (per page)	$0.25–$0.50 per page
Certified copy of recorded instrument	$5.00 for first page + $0.50 per additional page
Recording a deed or mortgage	$33.00 for first page + $3.00 per additional page
Documentary transfer tax (deed)	$0.50 per $500 of consideration

Fees for recording instruments in Kentucky are governed by KRS § 64.012, which establishes the schedule of fees that County Clerks may charge for recording, copying, and certifying documents. Fee amounts are subject to legislative revision; members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Perry County Clerk's Office prior to submitting requests.

PVA Assessment Records:

Online access to assessment data: No charge
Printed property cards: Nominal copying fee (typically $0.25 per page)
Certified assessment records: Contact the PVA for current fees

Tax Records (County Sheriff's Office):

Online tax bill lookup: No charge
Copies of tax bills: Nominal fee

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Check (payable to Perry County Clerk)
Money order
Credit or debit card (availability may vary; confirm with office)

Fee Waivers: Kentucky law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record requests. Indigent individuals or nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated public interest purpose may inquire with the County Clerk regarding any applicable discretionary accommodations, though no statutory waiver is guaranteed.

What's Included in a Perry County Property Record?

A complete Perry County property record encompasses information from multiple county offices and may include the following categories of data.

Ownership Information

Current Ownership:

Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the deed
Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate)
Ownership percentage if multiple owners hold title
Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
Mailing address for tax bill purposes

Previous Ownership:

Chain of title with prior owners' names
Transfer dates and historical deed references
Ownership timeline from original conveyance to present

Property Identification

Site address and mailing address (if different)
Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range, or metes and bounds)
Parcel ID / folio number and tax account number

Physical Characteristics

Land Information:

Lot size in square feet or acres
Lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
Corner lot designation
Land use designation and zoning classification

Building Information:

Total living area in square feet
Year built and effective year
Number of stories and building type
Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
Garage, pool, porch/patio, fireplace, HVAC, water source, and sewer system
Condition and quality ratings

Valuation Information

Land value and building value (assessed)
Total assessed value and market/just value
Historical assessed values for prior years
Agricultural classification (if applicable)

Tax Information

Total current tax amount and taxable value after exemptions
Millage rate and breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, special districts)
Payment status, due dates, and discount information
Tax payment history and delinquency history (if any)
Exemptions applied: homestead, senior, disability, veteran, widow/widower, agricultural, conservation, or historic preservation

Sales History

Sale dates, sale prices, and sale types (warranty deed, quitclaim, gift, inheritance, foreclosure, tax deed, divorce transfer, or trust transfer)
Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
Deed document numbers and documentary stamp amounts
Qualified/unqualified sale designation

Encumbrances and Liens

Recorded mortgages: amounts, lender names, recording dates, and book/page references
Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
Easements, restrictions, covenants, leases, life estates, and lis pendens filings

Legal and Regulatory Information

Current zoning classification and permitted uses
Land use code and future land use designation
Special taxing districts (school, fire, water, CDD)
Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
Flood zone designation (FEMA)
Wetlands and conservation area designations

Maps and Images

Property exterior photograph
Aerial photograph and GIS map with property boundaries
Plat map and property sketch
Historical aerials (where available)

Building Permit Information

Building permits issued, permit dates, descriptions, and contractor information
Certificate of occupancy and inspection records

What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records

Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
Interior photographs
Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
Private agreements not submitted for recording
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price

How Long Does Perry County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Perry County are maintained permanently. The legal requirement to preserve recorded instruments arises from the fundamental role these records play in establishing chain of title and protecting property rights across generations.

Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:

Under Kentucky's records retention statutes and the requirements of the recording system established by KRS § 382.110, all instruments affecting title to real property must be preserved indefinitely. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives publishes records retention schedules applicable to county offices, and recorded property instruments are classified as permanent records not subject to destruction.

Records Kept Permanently

Deed Records: All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Perry County's deed records date to the county's formation in 1820, with some records extending to original land grants and territorial-period conveyances.

Mortgage Records: All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.

Lien Records: All recorded liens — including judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic's liens, and releases thereof — are maintained permanently as part of the official property record.

Plats and Surveys: All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently.

Other Recorded Instruments: Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are all maintained permanently.

Format and Storage

Historical Records:

Pre-1900s: Handwritten ledger books
Early-to-mid 1900s: Typed entries in bound record books
Mid-to-late 1900s: Microfilm
Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems

Modern Format: Current recordings are maintained in electronic document management systems with scanned images of original instruments, digital backup systems, and off-site storage for disaster recovery purposes.

Access to Historical Records

Online Access: Records digitized by the Perry County Clerk's Office are available online for recent decades. The extent of online availability varies; members of the public seeking records from earlier periods should contact the Clerk's office directly.

In-Person Access: All records, regardless of age or format, are available for inspection at the Perry County Clerk's Office. Older records may be stored in bound volumes, on microfilm, or in archival storage. Staff can retrieve records upon request, though advance notice may be required for very old materials.

Requesting Historical Records:

Perry County Clerk's Office
481 Main Street, Suite 100
Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: (606) 436-4614
Perry County Clerk's Office

When requesting historical records, members of the public should specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the type of document sought. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to several business days depending on the age and format of the record. Standard copying fees apply.

Property Appraiser (PVA) Records

Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a period determined by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives retention schedule, which may vary by document type. Recent assessment history is available online through the PVA database; historical assessments are available at the PVA office.

Tax Records

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years. Tax deed records are maintained permanently. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution. Recent tax records are available online through the County Sheriff's office; historical records are available in person.

Chain of Title

Every transfer of real property in Perry County from the original land grant to the present is documented in the permanent record maintained by the County Clerk. Title searches conducted in connection with real estate transactions review the chain of title for a period of at least 30 to 60 years, though a full abstract may extend to the original conveyance. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before clear title can be conveyed.

Accessing Records by Time Period

Time Period	Availability	Access Method
Last 20 years	Fully online in most cases	Online, immediate, free viewing
20–50 years ago	May be online; microfilm available	Online or in-person
50–100 years ago	Microfilm or bound volumes	In-person, staff retrieval
100+ years ago	Archival storage	In-person, advance notice recommended

How To Find Liens on Property in Perry County?

Liens on property in Perry County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Perry County Clerk's Office. Members of the public may search for liens using the following methods.

Types of Liens Recorded with the County Clerk:

Judgment liens (arising from court judgments against a property owner)
Mechanic's liens (filed by contractors or materialmen for unpaid work)
State and federal tax liens
HOA liens
Code enforcement liens
Lis pendens (notice of pending litigation affecting title)

Step-by-Step Search Process:

Visit or contact the Perry County Clerk's Office at 481 Main Street, Suite 100, Hazard, KY 41701, or call (606) 436-4614
Search by grantor name — liens are indexed under the name of the property owner (debtor) as grantor
Specify the document type — request a search for liens, judgments, or lis pendens filings specifically
Review the results — note the instrument number, recording date, amount, and lienholder for each result
Request copies — obtain copies of lien documents for the applicable per-page fee
Check for releases — confirm whether any identified lien has been released or satisfied by searching for a corresponding release instrument

Federal Tax Liens: Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the County Clerk pursuant to applicable federal law. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the IRS website.

Judgment Liens: Judgment liens arising from civil court proceedings in Perry County are recorded with the County Clerk and may also be identified through the Kentucky Court of Justice case search system. As noted by the Kentucky Court of Justice, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county."

Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk — Perry County
Perry County Justice Center
135 Main Street
Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: (606) 439-4717
Perry – Kentucky Court of Justice

Property Tax Liens: Delinquent property tax liens are administered through the County Sheriff's office and, upon non-payment, may result in a tax lien certificate or tax deed proceeding. Members of the public may check tax delinquency status through the Perry County Sheriff's office at (606) 436-6144.

Title Search: A comprehensive lien search is a standard component of a professional title search conducted by a licensed title company or real estate attorney. Title professionals search all recorded instruments affecting a property and provide a written report identifying all outstanding liens and encumbrances.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Perry County?

The property owner rule in Perry County refers to the body of Kentucky law and local regulations governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership within the county.

Establishment of Ownership:

Under Kentucky law, ownership of real property is established by a recorded deed. Pursuant to KRS § 382.110, no conveyance of real property is valid against a subsequent purchaser for valuable consideration without notice unless the deed is acknowledged and recorded with the County Clerk of the county in which the property is situated. Recording provides constructive notice to all subsequent parties of the recorded owner's interest.

Forms of Ownership Recognized in Kentucky:

Sole ownership — a single individual holds title in fee simple
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's share automatically
Tenancy in common — two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
Tenancy by the entirety — a form of joint ownership available only to legally married spouses in Kentucky, providing protection from individual creditors of either spouse
Trust ownership — a trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
Corporate or LLC ownership — a legal entity holds title; ownership transfers occur through entity-level transactions rather than recorded deeds

Transfer of Ownership:

Real property in Perry County may be transferred by deed, devise (through a will), intestate succession (without a will), court order, or operation of law. All voluntary transfers must be memorialized in a written deed, signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the Perry County Clerk to be effective against third parties.

Property Owner Rights and Obligations:

Property owners in Perry County hold the following rights and obligations under Kentucky law and applicable local ordinances:

The right to use, enjoy, and exclude others from the property within the limits of applicable law
The obligation to pay ad valorem property taxes assessed annually by the PVA and collected by the County Sheriff
The right to apply for applicable exemptions, including the homestead exemption available to owner-occupants who are 65 years of age or older or who are totally disabled, pursuant to Kentucky constitutional and statutory provisions
The obligation to comply with applicable zoning ordinances, building codes, and land use regulations administered by the Perry County Fiscal Court and the City of Hazard
The right to appeal property assessments to the Perry County Board of Assessment Appeals within the statutory timeframe

Adverse Possession:

Kentucky law recognizes adverse possession as a means by which a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely occupies another's land for a period of 15 years may acquire legal title. Claims of adverse possession must be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction and, if successful, are memorialized in a court order recorded with the County Clerk.

Eminent Domain:

The Perry County Fiscal Court and the Commonwealth of Kentucky retain the power of eminent domain — the authority to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation — pursuant to the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and applicable Kentucky statutes. Property owners subject to condemnation proceedings have the right to contest the taking and the amount of compensation offered.