Yakima County Property Records
What Is Yakima County Property Records
Yakima County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Yakima County, Washington. 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.
In accordance with Washington State law RCW 65.08.070, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county auditor in the county where the property is located. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public.
Property records in Yakima County include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and covenants
- Plats and surveys
- Property tax assessment records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
The Yakima County Auditor's Office maintains the official repository of property records for the county, while the Yakima County Assessor maintains property valuation and tax assessment records.
Are Property Records Public Information In Yakima County?
Property records in Yakima County are public information and accessible to all citizens pursuant to Washington State's Public Records Act, RCW 42.56. This law establishes that public records shall be available for public inspection and copying, with limited exceptions that do not generally apply to property records.
The public nature of property records is founded on several important principles:
- 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 person may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
Under § 65.08.070 of the Revised Code of Washington, instruments affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to third parties. This recording requirement inherently creates public records that are accessible to anyone seeking information about property ownership or encumbrances.
The Washington Department of Revenue confirms that property records maintained by county assessors and treasurers are public information available for inspection during regular business hours and increasingly available through online portals.
How To Search Property Records in Yakima County in 2026
Members of the public may search Yakima County property records through several methods currently available. The county maintains comprehensive systems for accessing these records efficiently.
To search property records in person:
Yakima County Auditor's Office
128 N 2nd Street, Room 117
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-1400
Yakima County Auditor
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Steps for in-person searches:
- Visit the Recording Division of the Yakima County Auditor's Office
- Complete a records search request form, available at the counter
- Provide specific information such as property address, parcel number, or owner name
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
To search property records by mail:
- Download and complete the public records request form from the county website
- Include specific information about the property records being requested
- Mail the completed form to the Yakima County Auditor's Office address above
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Expect a response within 5 business days as required by RCW § 42.56.520
For telephone inquiries:
- Contact the Recording Division at (509) 574-1400
- Provide specific information about the property records being sought
- Staff can verify availability of records and provide guidance on access methods
How To Find Property Records in Yakima County Online?
Yakima County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These resources allow members of the public to search and retrieve property information remotely.
The primary online resources for Yakima County property records include:
-
Yakima County Property Search Portal
- Visit the Yakima County Assessor's website
- Select "Property Search" from the navigation menu
- Search by parcel number, owner name, or property address
- Access property details including ownership information, assessed value, tax status, and property characteristics
-
Yakima County Recorder's Online Index
- Navigate to the Yakima County Auditor's Recording Division
- Select "Records Search" from available options
- Create a free account if accessing non-public information
- Search by name, document type, recording date, or document number
- View document images for a nominal fee
-
Yakima County GIS Mapping System
- Access the Yakima County GIS Portal
- Use the interactive map to locate properties
- Click on parcels to view basic property information
- Access links to related property records
-
City of Yakima Records Application
- The City of Yakima RecordsApp provides access to city-maintained property records
- Register for an account to submit and track records requests
- Search existing public records by address or parcel number
When using these online systems, users should note that while basic property information is freely accessible, there may be nominal fees for document images or certified copies. Additionally, pursuant to Washington's Public Records Act, certain personal information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy.
How To Look Up Yakima County Property Records for Free?
Yakima County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources allow members of the public to obtain basic property information without incurring fees.
Free property record access methods include:
-
Public Access Terminals
- Located at the Yakima County Courthouse
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- No fee for searching or viewing records on-screen
- Only printing incurs charges ($1.00 per page)
-
Yakima County Assessor's Online Property Search
- The Yakima County Assessor's website offers free property searches
- Provides ownership information, property characteristics, assessed values, and tax information
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
- Available 24/7 from any internet-connected device
-
Yakima County GIS Mapping System
- Free access to the county's geographic information system
- View parcel boundaries, ownership information, and property characteristics
- Access through the Yakima County GIS Portal
- No registration required for basic map viewing
-
Public Libraries
- Yakima Valley Libraries provide free internet access
- Library staff can assist with navigating county websites
- Some branches maintain reference materials related to property records
-
Public Records Requests
- Submit a public records request under the Washington Public Records Act
- Initial requests and research are provided without charge
- Only extensive research or large document productions may incur fees
When utilizing these free resources, requestors should note that while basic property information is available at no cost, certified copies or extensive research services may still incur fees. Additionally, as specified in RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may charge for copies but not for inspection of records.
What's Included in a Yakima County Property Record?
Yakima County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Assessor, Auditor, and Treasurer, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
Property records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable items). The following information is typically included in Yakima County property records:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner name(s)
- Previous owner history (chain of title)
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase price (when disclosed on deed)
- Type of deed (warranty, quitclaim, etc.)
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Subdivision information (if applicable)
- Plat map references
Property Characteristics:
- Land use classification
- Zoning designation
- Building specifications (square footage, number of rooms)
- Year built
- Construction type and materials
- Improvements and additions
- Utility connections
Valuation and Tax Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements separately)
- Tax assessment history
- Current tax status
- Tax exemptions (if applicable)
- Special assessments or districts
Encumbrances and Restrictions:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Pending legal actions affecting title
According to Washington State law RCW 84.40.160, the county assessor must maintain detailed property records for assessment purposes. Additionally, RCW § 65.04.030 requires the county auditor to maintain an index of all recorded documents affecting real property.
How Long Does Yakima County Keep Property Records?
Yakima County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW § 40.14.070. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of property records, though many records are retained permanently due to their historical and legal significance.
The retention periods for common property records in Yakima County are as follows:
Permanent Retention:
- Recorded deeds and conveyances
- Original plat maps and surveys
- Property assessment rolls
- Tax rolls
- Mortgage and lien records
- Easement documentation
- Subdivision plats
Long-Term Retention (15+ years):
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy (life of structure plus 6 years)
- Property tax payment records (10 years after paid)
- Special assessment records (10 years after assessment satisfied)
- Zoning variance records (life of structure plus 6 years)
Medium-Term Retention (3-15 years):
- Property inspection reports (6 years)
- Temporary tax exemption records (6 years after expiration)
- Building code violation records (6 years after resolution)
Short-Term Retention (less than 3 years):
- Routine correspondence regarding property (2 years)
- Property record search requests (1 year)
The Washington State Archives Local Government Records Retention Schedule provides comprehensive guidance on retention requirements. Yakima County may retain records beyond these minimum periods, particularly for historically significant properties or when records are maintained in electronic formats that facilitate longer retention.
It is important to note that while some physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, many property records have been digitized and may remain accessible electronically even after the original paper documents have been properly disposed of according to state guidelines.
How To Find Liens on Property In Yakima County?
Liens on property in Yakima County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred clear of the claim.
To search for liens on Yakima County property, members of the public may utilize the following methods:
Yakima County Auditor's Office:
Yakima County Auditor - Recording Division
128 N 2nd Street, Room 117
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-1400
Yakima County Auditor
Steps for searching liens at the Auditor's Office:
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request a lien search using the property owner's name or parcel number
- Staff will assist with searching the grantor-grantee index for recorded liens
- Pay applicable fees for copies of lien documents
Online Lien Search:
- Access the Yakima County Auditor's online records search
- Select "Document Search" from available options
- Search by property owner name (grantor/grantee index)
- Filter results by document type (select "Lien" or specific lien types)
- Review search results showing recording information
- Pay applicable fees to view or print document images
Types of liens searchable in Yakima County records:
- Tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
- Federal tax liens
- State tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's and materialmen's liens
- Homeowners association liens
- Child support liens
- Utility liens
For tax liens specifically, the Yakima County Treasurer's Office maintains records of property tax delinquencies and can provide information about outstanding tax obligations.
Pursuant to RCW § 60.68.045, federal tax liens must be filed with the county auditor in the county where the property is located, making the Yakima County Auditor's Office the authoritative source for these records.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Yakima County?
The Property Owner Rule in Yakima County refers to the set of regulations governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the rights and responsibilities of property owners within the county. These rules are established through Washington State law and Yakima County ordinances.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements: Under RCW § 65.08.070, all instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county auditor to provide constructive notice to third parties. Unrecorded instruments are valid between the parties but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers who record their interests without notice of the prior unrecorded interest.
Property Tax Obligations: Property owners in Yakima County are responsible for paying property taxes as assessed by the Yakima County Assessor. Taxes are due in two installments (April 30 and October 31) each year. Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure.
Disclosure Requirements: Washington State law (RCW § 64.06.020) requires sellers of residential real property to provide buyers with a completed seller disclosure statement disclosing known defects and other material facts about the property.
Adverse Possession: Under Washington State law, a person who occupies another's property openly, notoriously, exclusively, and continuously for at least 10 years may acquire title through adverse possession, subject to specific legal requirements.
Boundary Disputes: Property owners involved in boundary disputes may request a record of survey through the Yakima County Public Works Department to establish property boundaries.
Land Use Regulations: Property owners must comply with zoning ordinances, building codes, and other land use regulations established by Yakima County and incorporated cities within the county.
Water Rights: In Yakima County, water rights are often separate from land ownership and are administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Property owners should verify water rights when purchasing property.
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses regulations regarding easements, encroachments, nuisance abatement, and property maintenance standards. Property owners seeking specific guidance on these regulations should consult with the appropriate county department or legal counsel.
Lookup Property Records in Yakima County
Washington Department of Revenue property tax information
Yakima County planning and survey records
City of Yakima Records Application