Cobb County Property Records
What Is Cobb County Property Records
Property records in Cobb County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout Cobb County, Georgia.
The primary purposes of maintaining property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and development
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-2-1, the recording of deeds and other instruments affecting title to land is required to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers. The Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court maintains these records in accordance with state law.
Property records in Cobb County encompass a wide range of documents, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, covenants, and plats. These records are maintained by several county offices, with the Cobb County Tax Commissioner and Clerk of Superior Court serving as primary custodians.
Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court
32 Waddell Street
Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-1300
Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court
Are Property Records Public Information In Cobb County?
Property records in Cobb County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Georgia law. The Georgia Open Records Act, codified in Georgia Code § 50-18-70, establishes that public records, including property records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia.
The public nature of property records is founded on several key principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates commerce and protects property rights
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy ensures transparency in property ownership and transactions throughout the county.
The Cobb County Tax Assessor's Office maintains property assessment records that are available to the public, while the Clerk of Superior Court maintains the official land records. Both offices provide public access to these records in accordance with state law.
Cobb County Tax Assessor's Office
736 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30064
(770) 528-3100
Cobb County Tax Assessor
How To Search Property Records in Cobb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Cobb County may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The following procedures outline the standard process for accessing these records:
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Determine the specific property information needed
- Property ownership history
- Deed information
- Tax assessment records
- Liens or encumbrances
- Plats or surveys
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Select the appropriate county office
- Clerk of Superior Court for deeds, liens, and land records
- Tax Assessor's Office for property tax and assessment information
- Tax Commissioner's Office for tax payment history
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Conduct an online search
- Visit the Cobb County Property Records Search
- Enter property information (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Review available documents
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Visit in person for comprehensive searches
- Proceed to the appropriate county office during business hours
- Request assistance from staff for complex searches
- Use public terminals for self-service searches
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Request certified copies if needed
- Complete the required request form
- Pay applicable fees (currently $2.50 per page for certified copies)
- Allow processing time for certification
For property tax information, the Cobb County Tax Commissioner's Property Division maintains current records of property tax assessments, payments, and exemptions.
How To Find Property Records in Cobb County Online?
Cobb County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official portals. The digital systems allow citizens to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices in person. To find property records online, follow these steps:
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Access the Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court Real Estate Records
- Navigate to the Clerk's Real Estate Records Search
- No account is required for basic searches
- Advanced search features may require registration
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Search by specific criteria
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
- Instrument type or number
- Book and page number
- Date range of recording
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Access the Cobb County Tax Assessor's property database
- Visit the Tax Assessor's Property Search
- Enter search criteria (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- View assessment information, property characteristics, and tax history
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Utilize the Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Access the Cobb County GIS Portal
- Search by address or parcel ID
- View property boundaries, zoning, and related spatial data
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Review tax payment records
- Visit the Cobb County Tax Commissioner's website
- Search by property address or parcel ID
- View current and historical tax payment information
Online access is available 24 hours a day, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Users should note that while most records are available online, some historical documents may only be accessible in person at county offices.
How To Look Up Cobb County Property Records for Free?
Cobb County provides several free options for accessing property records. These no-cost resources allow citizens to conduct basic property research without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free property record searches:
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Use the Cobb County Tax Assessor's public access website
- Visit the Tax Assessor's Property Search
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View property details, assessment values, and tax information
- Access property record cards showing building characteristics
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Access the Clerk of Superior Court's basic search function
- Navigate to the Clerk's Real Estate Records Search
- Conduct basic searches without registration
- View index information for recorded documents
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Visit county offices in person
- Use public terminals at the Clerk's Office or Tax Assessor's Office
- Request assistance from staff for navigating records
- View documents on-site without printing fees
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Utilize the Cobb County Public Library System
- Access public computers at any branch location
- Use library internet to access county property databases
- Receive assistance from library staff if needed
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Access the Cobb County Tax Commissioner's website for property tax information
- Search by address or parcel ID
- View current tax bills and payment status
- Check property tax exemption status
While basic searches are free, fees may apply for printing, certified copies, or specialized searches. Currently, printed copies cost $0.25 per page for uncertified documents and $2.50 per page for certified copies, in accordance with Georgia Code § 15-6-77.
What's Included in a Cobb County Property Record?
Cobb County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices and include various document types that collectively establish property rights and characteristics. The content of property records typically includes:
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Ownership Information
- Current and previous property owners
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
- Vesting language specifying rights of ownership
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Property Identification
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description of the property
- Property address
- Tax district information
- Subdivision name (if applicable)
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Transaction Details
- Sale price and date
- Type of deed (warranty, quitclaim, executor's)
- Mortgage information
- Transfer tax amounts
- Recording information (book/page or instrument number)
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Property Characteristics
- Land area and dimensions
- Building size and features
- Year built
- Construction type
- Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
- Improvements and additions
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Assessment and Tax Information
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Fair market value
- Tax exemptions applied
- Tax history
- Millage rates
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Encumbrances and Restrictions
- Mortgages and security deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and restrictions
- Zoning classifications
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 44-2-25, property records must include specific information to be properly recorded, including names of parties, property description, and proper attestation.
The Marietta Tax Division also maintains property tax records for properties within city limits, which complement county records.
How Long Does Cobb County Keep Property Records?
Cobb County maintains property records permanently in accordance with Georgia state law and county retention policies. The preservation of these records ensures the continuous chain of title and property rights protection. The retention periods for various property-related documents are as follows:
- Deeds and property transfers: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and security instruments: Permanent retention
- Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
- Tax assessment records: Permanent retention of final rolls; supporting documentation kept 7 years
- Building permits: Life of structure plus 3 years
- Zoning decisions: Permanent retention
- Property tax payment records: 7 years after payment
- Homestead exemption applications: 7 years after expiration
The Georgia Records Act, codified in Georgia Code § 50-18-90 et seq., establishes the framework for records retention throughout the state. The Clerk of Superior Court is mandated to preserve all real estate records permanently, while the Tax Commissioner and Tax Assessor follow specific retention schedules for tax-related documents.
Historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1832 are preserved through various means, including:
- Microfilm and digital conversion of older records
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Backup systems for electronic records
- Restoration of damaged historical documents
The county has implemented a comprehensive digitization program to convert older paper records to electronic format, improving accessibility while ensuring long-term preservation.
How To Find Liens on Property In Cobb County?
Liens on property in Cobb County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. To find liens on Cobb County property, follow these procedures:
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Search the Clerk of Superior Court records
- Visit the Clerk's Real Estate Records Search
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Filter results by document type (select "Liens")
- Review results for tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
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Check for tax liens at the Tax Commissioner's Office
- Access the Cobb County Tax Commissioner's website
- Search by property address or parcel ID
- Review current and delinquent tax information
- Note any tax liens filed for unpaid property taxes
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Search for federal tax liens
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court
- Search by property owner name
- Review results for IRS liens
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Check for utility liens
- Contact Cobb County Water System for water/sewer liens
- Check with municipal utilities for outstanding balances
- Verify with homeowners associations for HOA liens
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Conduct a title search or request a title report
- Hire a title company for comprehensive lien search
- Request a title report showing all recorded encumbrances
- Review for all types of liens affecting the property
Common types of liens found in Cobb County include:
- Property tax liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Judgment liens from court cases
- Mechanic's liens for unpaid construction work
- Homeowners association liens
- Municipal code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Liens generally remain attached to property until satisfied, regardless of ownership changes, making lien searches an essential part of property due diligence.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Cobb County?
The Property Owner Rule in Cobb County refers to a set of regulations and responsibilities that govern property ownership within the county. These rules establish the legal framework for property rights, obligations, and restrictions. Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Property Tax Responsibilities
- Property owners must pay annual property taxes by the due date (currently October 31)
- Tax bills are mailed to the owner of record as of January 1
- Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt owners from payment obligation
- Late payments incur penalties and interest as specified in Georgia Code § 48-5-24
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Property Assessment and Appeals
- Property is assessed at 40% of fair market value per Georgia law
- Owners receive annual assessment notices
- Appeals must be filed within 45 days of assessment notice
- Board of Equalization hears valuation disputes
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Recording Requirements
- New deeds must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court
- Property transfers require payment of transfer tax
- Documents must meet formatting standards for recording
- Recording establishes constructive notice of ownership
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Homestead Exemption Provisions
- Primary residents may apply for homestead exemptions
- Applications must be submitted by April 1 to the Tax Commissioner
- Various exemptions exist for seniors, disabled veterans, and other groups
- Exemptions must be renewed when ownership changes
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Property Maintenance Requirements
- Owners must maintain property in compliance with county codes
- Violations may result in citations and fines
- Abandoned properties subject to special monitoring
- Nuisance properties may face abatement proceedings
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Disclosure Requirements
- Sellers must disclose known material defects
- Property in flood zones requires specific disclosures
- Lead-based paint disclosures required for pre-1978 homes
- HOA restrictions must be disclosed to buyers
The Property Owner Rule is enforced through various county departments, including the Tax Commissioner's Office, Code Enforcement, and the courts. Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance and protect their property rights.
Lookup Property Records in Cobb County
Cobb County Tax Commissioner property records