Flathead County Property Records
What Is Flathead County Property Records
Flathead County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Flathead County, Montana. 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.
Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 7-4-2613, the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder is responsible for maintaining these records. The statute mandates that "the county clerk must keep a book called 'record of deeds' in which the clerk must record all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property." This legal framework ensures the proper documentation and accessibility of property ownership information.
Property records in Flathead County include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, grant)
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Plats and surveys
- Property tax records
- Assessments and valuations
The Flathead County Clerk and Recorder's office serves as the primary repository for these records, maintaining the official documentation of property ownership and transactions throughout the county.
Are Property Records Public Information In Flathead County?
Property records in Flathead County are public information and accessible to all citizens. This public access is guaranteed under Montana's Constitution Article II, Section 9, which establishes the public's "right to know" and examine government documents. Additionally, the Montana Public Records Act § 2-6-1003 specifically mandates that "every person has a right to examine and obtain a copy of any public information of this state."
The public nature of property records serves several important functions:
- Establishes transparency in land ownership
- Provides notice of property interests to potential buyers
- Protects property rights by creating an official record
- Facilitates real estate transactions and property research
- Supports property tax assessment and collection
Any member of the public may access Flathead County property records without demonstrating a specific interest or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in Montana. The county maintains these records in both physical and digital formats to ensure accessibility.
Flathead County Clerk and Recorder's Office
800 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5526
Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
How To Search Property Records in Flathead County in 2026
Searching property records in Flathead County can be accomplished through several methods. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
In-Person Search:
- Visit the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Provide specific property information such as address, owner name, or parcel number
- Staff will assist in locating the requested records
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
Online Search:
- Access the Flathead County Interactive Mapping Application
- Enter property address, owner name, or parcel number in the search field
- View basic property information, including ownership, boundaries, and assessment data
- Download available documents or note document numbers for further research
Mail or Email Request:
- Submit a written request to the Clerk and Recorder's Office
- Include specific property information and requested documents
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
For specialized property records such as plats and surveys, the Flathead County Plat Room maintains these documents and provides public access through similar methods.
How To Find Property Records in Flathead County Online?
Flathead County offers several online resources for accessing property records digitally. These electronic systems provide convenient access to property information without requiring an in-person visit to county offices.
The primary online resources include:
-
Flathead County Property Information Portal
- Visit the Flathead County Property Tax Department website
- Select "Property Search" from the navigation menu
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel number
- Access property tax information, assessment values, and ownership details
- View property characteristics and improvement data
-
Montana Department of Revenue Property Records
- Navigate to the Montana Property Record Card system
- Select Flathead County from the dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (address, owner name, or geocode)
- View detailed property assessment information
- Access property characteristics, land details, and improvement data
-
Flathead County GIS Mapping System
- Access the Flathead County Interactive Mapping Application
- Use the search function to locate properties
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and adjacent parcels
- Access links to related property documents
- Download available plats and surveys
For more complex title searches or historical property records, users may need to contact the Clerk and Recorder's office directly, as some older records may not be fully digitized or available through online systems.
How To Look Up Flathead County Property Records for Free?
Flathead County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources allow members of the public to conduct basic property research without incurring fees.
Free Online Resources:
- The Flathead County Interactive Mapping Application provides free access to property boundaries, ownership information, and basic property data
- The Montana Property Record Card system offers free access to property assessment information
- The Flathead County Treasurer's website provides free access to basic property tax information
Free In-Person Access:
- Public computer terminals are available at the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder's Office for conducting free property record searches
- The Flathead County Plat Room offers free public viewing of plats, surveys, and maps during regular business hours
- Public libraries in Flathead County provide free internet access to online county resources
While viewing records is free, please note that obtaining physical copies or certified documents may incur fees as established by Montana Code Annotated § 7-4-2631, which authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees for reproduction of public records.
Flathead County Plat Room
800 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5590
Flathead County Plat Room
What's Included in a Flathead County Property Record?
Flathead County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, and Assessor. The records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets).
A complete Flathead County property record typically includes:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner name(s)
- Previous owner history (chain of title)
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase price or consideration (when disclosed)
- Type of deed or transfer instrument
Property Identification:
- Legal description of the property
- Parcel identification number
- Geocode
- Property address (if assigned)
- Township, range, and section information
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building square footage
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Year built
- Construction type and quality
- Property improvements
- Land use classification
Financial Information:
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Property tax information
- Special assessments
- Tax exemptions (if applicable)
Encumbrances and Restrictions:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and restrictions
- Zoning designations
The specific content of property records is governed by Montana Code Annotated § 7-4-2617, which establishes requirements for recording and indexing property documents.
How Long Does Flathead County Keep Property Records?
Flathead County maintains property records permanently in accordance with Montana's records retention requirements. The permanent retention of property records ensures the continuous documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county's history.
The retention periods for various property-related documents are as follows:
- Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and deeds of trust: Permanent retention
- Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
- Property tax records: Minimum 10-year retention, with permanent retention of tax rolls
- Building permits: Minimum 10-year retention after structure is demolished
- Property assessments: Permanent retention of final assessment rolls
- Easements and rights-of-way: Permanent retention
These retention periods are established by the Montana Local Government Records Committee under authority granted by Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1103, which mandates the creation of records retention schedules for local government records.
Flathead County employs both physical and digital preservation methods to ensure the long-term accessibility of property records. Historical records dating back to the county's formation in 1893 are maintained and available for public research, though older records may require specialized assistance to locate and interpret.
How To Find Liens on Property In Flathead County?
Locating liens on property in Flathead County requires searching specific records maintained by various county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Flathead County:
Tax Liens:
- Visit the Flathead County Treasurer's Office website
- Search by property address or parcel number
- Review current and delinquent tax information
- Note any tax liens or special assessments
Judgment Liens:
- Visit the Flathead County Clerk of District Court
- Request a judgment lien search by property owner name
- Review civil judgment records for any judgments recorded against the property owner
- Note any judgment liens that may affect the property
Mechanic's Liens:
- Visit the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder's Office
- Request a search of recorded mechanic's liens by property address or legal description
- Review documents for active mechanic's liens
- Note filing dates and expiration periods
Federal Tax Liens:
- Visit the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder's Office
- Request a search of federal tax lien records by property owner name
- Review for any IRS liens recorded against the property owner
- Note lien amounts and filing dates
For the most comprehensive lien search, many property owners and buyers utilize professional title companies that specialize in identifying all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting property. These companies have expertise in searching county records and can provide title insurance to protect against undiscovered liens.
Flathead County Treasurer's Office
800 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5680
Flathead County Treasurer
What Is Property Owner Rule In Flathead County?
The Property Owner Rule in Flathead County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights and responsibilities. This framework is established through a combination of Montana state law and Flathead County regulations.
Key elements of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements:
- All documents affecting real property interests must be recorded with the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements per Montana Code Annotated § 7-4-2636
- Recording establishes legal notice and priority of interests
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax bills are typically sent in November with payments due in two installments (November and May)
- Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax liens and eventual tax deed proceedings
Land Use Regulations:
- Property use is subject to Flathead County zoning regulations
- Development may require permits and compliance with building codes
- Certain areas have additional restrictions due to environmental concerns or special districts
Property Boundaries:
- Property boundaries are legally established through recorded plats and surveys
- Boundary disputes are resolved through civil court proceedings
- Adverse possession claims require 5 years of open, notorious, and continuous use under Montana Code Annotated § 70-19-411
Water Rights:
- Water rights in Flathead County are administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
- Property owners must have valid water rights for water use beyond domestic wells
- Water rights are separate from land ownership and must be specifically conveyed
Property owners in Flathead County should familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure compliance with legal requirements and protection of their property interests.
Lookup Property Records in Flathead County
Flathead County Clerk and Recorder