Rankin County Property Records
What Is Rankin County Property Records
Rankin County property records constitute official documentation that records ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source for determining legal ownership of land and structures in Rankin County, Mississippi. Property records establish and maintain what is legally referred to as the "chain of title" - the historical sequence of ownership transfers from the original land grant to the present owner.
The primary purposes of maintaining property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and rights to real property
- Providing public notice of property interests and claims
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating property transactions and transfers
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
Property records in Rankin County are governed by Mississippi Code § 89-5-1, which mandates the recording of instruments affecting land title. The statute specifies that deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real estate must be recorded in the chancery clerk's office of the county where the property is located.
The Rankin County Chancery Clerk serves as the official custodian of property records for the county, maintaining these vital documents and making them accessible to the public in accordance with state law.
Rankin County Chancery Clerk
211 E. Government Street, Suite A
Brandon, MS 39042
601-825-1467
Rankin County Chancery Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In Rankin County?
Property records in Rankin County are public information, accessible to all citizens pursuant to both Mississippi's Public Records Act and specific property recording statutes. The Mississippi Public Records Act § 25-61-1 establishes that public records shall be available for inspection by any person during regular business hours.
The legal basis for public access to property records rests on several foundational principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility to property documents
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by preventing fraud
- Public access facilitates legitimate property transactions and transfers
Under Mississippi law, any person may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy supports the integrity of the property system by ensuring that ownership claims, liens, and encumbrances are visible to all interested parties.
The Mississippi Legislature has determined that the public interest in transparent property ownership outweighs individual privacy concerns in this context. Consequently, information about property ownership, transfers, taxes, and liens remains publicly accessible through the appropriate county offices.
How To Search Property Records in Rankin County in 2026
Rankin County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:
In-Person Searches:
- Visit the Rankin County Chancery Clerk's office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form available at the public counter.
- Provide specific information to facilitate the search, such as:
- Property owner's name
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Staff will assist in locating the requested records.
- Requestors may view documents on-site and request copies for a nominal fee.
Online Searches:
- Navigate to the Rankin County Land Records portal.
- Create a user account if required (guest access may be available for basic searches).
- Select the appropriate search method (name, address, parcel ID).
- Enter the search criteria and execute the search.
- Review the results and select specific documents for viewing.
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply).
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Chancery Clerk's office specifying the records sought.
- Include contact information for follow-up questions.
- Enclose applicable search fees.
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents if requesting by mail.
The Chancery Clerk's office processes requests in the order received. Complex searches may require additional time. Staff members are available to assist with search strategies and to answer questions about the records.
Rankin County Chancery Clerk
211 E. Government Street, Suite A
Brandon, MS 39042
601-825-1467
Rankin County Chancery Clerk
How To Find Property Records in Rankin County Online?
Rankin County maintains comprehensive online systems that allow public access to property records through digital platforms. The following step-by-step process enables efficient online searches:
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Access the Rankin County Land Records Search Portal through the county's official website.
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Select the appropriate search method based on available information:
- Property Owner Search: Enter the owner's last name, followed by first name
- Property Address Search: Enter the street number and name
- Parcel ID Search: Enter the unique parcel identification number
- Book and Page Search: Enter specific recording information if known
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Refine search parameters using available filters:
- Document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Date range of recording
- Property type (residential, commercial, agricultural)
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Review search results, which typically display:
- Property owner name
- Recording information (book/page)
- Document type
- Recording date
- Brief property description
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Select specific documents to view detailed information.
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Download, print, or save electronic copies as needed (fees may apply for certain document types).
For property tax information and assessments, users should access the separate Rankin County Tax Assessor's online database, which provides:
- Current property valuations
- Tax assessment information
- Tax payment status
- Property characteristics
Rankin County Tax Assessor
211 E. Government Street, Suite C
Brandon, MS 39042
601-825-1470
Rankin County Tax Assessor
Users experiencing technical difficulties with the online systems may contact the respective offices for assistance during regular business hours.
How To Look Up Rankin County Property Records for Free?
Rankin County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain property information without incurring fees:
Public Access Terminals:
- Located in the Chancery Clerk's office
- Available during regular business hours
- No fee for on-site viewing of records
- Staff assistance available for navigational help
- Users may take notes at no charge
Online Basic Search Functions:
- Visit the Rankin County Land Records Search portal
- Use the guest access option (where available)
- Conduct basic property searches without registration
- View limited document information at no cost
- Note that downloading or printing complete documents may incur fees
Public Library Access:
- Select Rankin County public libraries offer free access to county databases
- Library staff can provide assistance with navigating the systems
- Available during library operating hours
Tax Roll Information:
- Basic property ownership and valuation information is viewable without charge through the Tax Assessor's public portal
- Property tax status and assessment values are freely accessible
While viewing basic property information is free, users should be aware that obtaining certified copies, extensive research assistance, or bulk data downloads may incur standard fees as established by county ordinance. Additionally, commercial users or those requiring large volumes of records may be subject to different fee structures than individual researchers.
The county updates its online records regularly, though there may be a slight delay between document recording and online availability. For the most current information, in-person visits to the Chancery Clerk's office are recommended.
What's Included in a Rankin County Property Record?
Rankin County property records encompass a diverse collection of documents that collectively establish and track real property ownership and interests. These records are maintained by multiple county offices according to their respective jurisdictions and responsibilities.
Real property records (concerning land and permanently attached structures) differ significantly from personal property records (covering movable possessions). The former are primarily maintained by the Chancery Clerk, while the latter fall under other departmental jurisdictions.
A comprehensive Rankin County property record typically contains:
Ownership Documents:
- Warranty Deeds - transferring full ownership with certain guarantees
- Quitclaim Deeds - transferring whatever interest the grantor possesses
- Special Warranty Deeds - offering limited title guarantees
- Executor's Deeds - transferring property from estates
- Tax Deeds - conveying property sold for tax delinquency
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust
- Home Equity Lines of Credit
- Construction Liens
- Mechanics' Liens
- Tax Liens (federal, state, local)
- Judgment Liens
Administrative Documents:
- Plat Maps - showing property subdivisions
- Surveys - detailing property boundaries
- Easements - granting specific use rights
- Restrictive Covenants - limiting property uses
- Homestead Exemption Filings
Legal Proceedings:
- Foreclosure Notices
- Lis Pendens (pending lawsuit notices)
- Probate Records affecting title
- Divorce Decrees transferring property
Each document contains specific information as required by Mississippi Code § 89-5-24, including:
- Names of all parties to the transaction
- Legal description of the property
- Date of execution and recording
- Consideration paid (in transfer documents)
- Notarization and witness signatures
- Recording information (book/page or instrument number)
The Tax Assessor's records complement these documents with additional details about:
- Property characteristics and improvements
- Assessed valuation
- Tax classification
- Exemption status
- Historical assessment information
Together, these records provide a comprehensive history of ownership, encumbrances, and interests affecting real property in Rankin County.
How Long Does Rankin County Keep Property Records?
Rankin County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-59-1. These schedules mandate permanent retention for most property records due to their enduring legal and historical significance.
The following retention periods apply to various property-related documents:
Permanently Retained Records:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Plat maps and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Subdivision regulations
- Land patents and grants
- Original tax rolls
Long-Term Retention (25+ Years):
- Property tax assessment cards
- Building permits for significant structures
- Zoning variance approvals
- Historical property designations
- Environmental impact studies
Medium-Term Retention (7-15 Years):
- Temporary construction easements
- Building permits for minor structures
- Temporary zoning variances
- Property tax payment records
- Special assessment documentation
Short-Term Retention (3-5 Years):
- Routine correspondence about properties
- Inspection reports
- Temporary use permits
- Records of routine maintenance
The Mississippi Local Government Records Committee periodically reviews and updates these retention requirements. The county maintains older records in various formats, with historical documents preserved on microfilm or in digital archives, while more recent records are maintained in electronic systems with appropriate backup protocols.
Researchers seeking historical property records should note that while the information is preserved, the format and accessibility may vary depending on the document's age. The Chancery Clerk's office can provide guidance on accessing older records that may not be included in current digital systems.
How To Find Liens on Property In Rankin County?
Liens on property in Rankin County can be identified through systematic searches of official records. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. Members of the public may locate lien information through the following methods:
Chancery Clerk's Office Search:
- Visit the Rankin County Chancery Clerk's office in person
- Request a lien search using the property owner's name or property description
- Specify the time period to be searched (comprehensive searches typically cover 20+ years)
- Review the following lien categories:
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanics' and materialmen's liens
- Judgment liens
- Tax liens
- Child support liens
- Homeowners' association liens
Online Lien Search:
- Access the Rankin County Land Records portal
- Select "Lien Search" from the available options
- Enter the property owner's name or property identifier
- Review results, noting recording information for each lien
- Access specific lien documents for detailed information
Tax Lien Verification:
- Contact the Rankin County Tax Collector's office for property tax lien information
- Verify current tax payment status and any delinquencies
- Request information about special assessments or municipal liens
Federal Tax Lien Search:
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the Chancery Clerk
- Search under the taxpayer's name (individual or business)
- Note that federal tax liens have specific priority rules that may differ from other liens
Judgment Lien Search:
- Check Circuit Court records for judgments against the property owner
- Verify if judgments have been properly enrolled as liens against real property
- Note expiration dates, as judgment liens have specific statutory lifespans
Rankin County Tax Collector
211 E. Government Street, Suite D
Brandon, MS 39042
601-825-1467
Rankin County Tax Collector
Professional title companies often perform comprehensive lien searches as part of real estate transactions. Individuals conducting their own searches should be aware that some liens may be filed in multiple jurisdictions, and a thorough search requires checking records at both county and municipal levels.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Rankin County?
The Property Owner Rule in Rankin County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership rights and responsibilities. These rules derive from Mississippi state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents that collectively define the parameters of property ownership within the jurisdiction.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Recording Requirements:
- All property transfers must be properly recorded with the Chancery Clerk pursuant to Mississippi Code § 89-5-1
- Unrecorded deeds remain valid between parties but may not protect against subsequent purchasers
- Recording establishes constructive notice to third parties of ownership claims
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements to be accepted for recording
Property Rights and Limitations:
- Property owners possess rights to use, exclude others, and transfer their property
- These rights are subject to:
- Zoning regulations and land use restrictions
- Building codes and permit requirements
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants and homeowners' association rules
- Environmental regulations
Adverse Possession Provisions:
- Under Mississippi law, continuous, open, notorious, and hostile possession of property for 10 years may establish ownership rights
- Tax payment alone is insufficient to establish adverse possession
- Color of title (document suggesting ownership) may strengthen adverse possession claims
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners must pay annual ad valorem taxes based on assessed value
- Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax sale after specified delinquency period
- Homestead exemption provides tax reduction for qualifying owner-occupied residences
- Property owners must report improvements that affect property value
Boundary Dispute Resolution:
- Property boundaries are determined by legal descriptions in deeds
- Surveys may be required to resolve boundary disputes
- Encroachments may be addressed through legal action or boundary agreements
- Fence laws specify responsibilities for boundary fences between properties
Rankin County Planning Department
300 Marquette Road
Brandon, MS 39042
601-825-1472
Rankin County Planning Department
Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance with local requirements and to fully understand their rights and responsibilities under Mississippi law.
Lookup Property Records in Rankin County
Rankin County Chancery Clerk Land Records
Rankin County Tax Assessor Property Search