DeSoto County Property Records
What Is DeSoto County Property Records
Property records in DeSoto County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout DeSoto County, Mississippi.
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
Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 89-5-1, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded 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.
The DeSoto County Chancery Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of property records in the county, maintaining a comprehensive system of land records dating back to the county's establishment.
DeSoto County Chancery Clerk's Office
365 Losher Street, Suite 100
Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: 662-469-8000
DeSoto County Chancery Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In DeSoto County?
Property records in DeSoto County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Mississippi law. The public nature of these records is established by both state public records statutes and specific property recording laws.
The Mississippi Public Records Act, codified in Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., establishes that public records shall be available for inspection by any person during regular business hours. Additionally, Mississippi Code § 89-5-33 specifically addresses the public nature of land records, stating that the records of deeds and mortgages kept in the office of the clerk of the chancery court shall be public records.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Any member of the public may access property records in DeSoto County without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy aligns with the state's commitment to governmental transparency and the public's right to information.
How To Search Property Records in DeSoto County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in DeSoto County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for property record searches to accommodate various needs and preferences.
To search property records in person:
- Visit the DeSoto 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 about the property (address, owner name, parcel number)
- Staff will assist in locating the requested records
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
To request property records by mail:
- Submit a written request to the Chancery Clerk's Office
- Include specific property information and requested documents
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (call ahead to confirm amount)
For expedited service, the county offers electronic access through the DeSoto County Public Records Search portal. This system allows users to search property records remotely and obtain digital copies of documents.
DeSoto County Chancery Clerk's Office
365 Losher Street, Suite 100
Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: 662-469-8000
DeSoto County Chancery Clerk
How To Find Property Records in DeSoto County Online?
DeSoto County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources provide convenient, 24-hour access to property information without requiring a visit to county offices.
The primary online resources for property records include:
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DeSoto County Public Records Search - This official portal provides access to recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. To use this system:
- Create a free account or log in as a guest
- Select a search type (name, property address, document type)
- Enter search criteria
- View document index information
- Purchase and download document images as needed ($1.00 per page)
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DeSoto County Tax Assessor's Property Search - This database contains property assessment information:
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel number
- View property characteristics, assessed value, and tax information
- Access property maps and GIS data
- Review property tax history
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DeSoto County Tax Collector's Property Tax Records - This system provides:
- Current and historical tax payment information
- Tax bills and receipts
- Payment status and delinquency information
For specialized searches or complex research, users may contact the appropriate county office for guidance. The online systems are regularly updated to reflect current property records, though there may be a brief processing delay for newly recorded documents.
How To Look Up DeSoto County Property Records for Free?
DeSoto County provides several options for residents and interested parties to access property records at no cost. While some services may involve fees for document copies or certified records, basic property information is available without charge.
Free property record access options include:
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In-person research at the Chancery Clerk's Office:
- Visit during regular business hours
- Use public access terminals at no charge
- View documents and records without paying fees
- Only pay for copies of documents if needed ($1.00 per page)
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- Free basic property information search
- Access property ownership details
- View property assessment information
- Check tax status without fees
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DeSoto County Tax Assessor's website:
- Free property assessment information
- Property characteristics and details
- Current ownership information
- Property tax valuation data
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Public libraries in DeSoto County:
- Free internet access to county websites
- Assistance from library staff for basic searches
- Access to public computers for research
DeSoto County Tax Assessor's Office
365 Losher Street, Suite 100
Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: 662-469-8029
DeSoto County Tax Assessor
While basic property information is available at no cost, fees apply for certified copies, extensive research assistance, or large document requests. The county's fee schedule is established pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-7-9, which authorizes clerks of the chancery courts to charge specified fees for services.
What's Included in a DeSoto County Property Record?
Property records in DeSoto County encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county's boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
DeSoto County distinguishes between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) in its record-keeping systems. The primary focus of county property records is real property, though some personal property information is maintained for tax purposes.
A typical DeSoto County property record includes:
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Ownership Information:
- Current and previous property owners
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Legal names of all parties with interest in the property
- Vesting information (how title is held)
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Property Description:
- Legal description of the property
- Property address and location
- Parcel identification number
- Lot size and dimensions
- Subdivision information, if applicable
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Transaction History:
- Deed records showing transfers of ownership
- Purchase price and transaction dates
- Type of deed (warranty, quitclaim, etc.)
- Recording information (book/page or instrument number)
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Encumbrances and Interests:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Homestead exemption status
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Assessment and Taxation:
- Assessed property value
- Tax classification
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
- Exemptions applied to the property
These records are maintained in accordance with Mississippi Code § 89-5-33, which establishes requirements for the recording and maintenance of land records. The Mississippi Department of Revenue provides additional oversight for property assessment and taxation records.
How Long Does DeSoto County Keep Property Records?
DeSoto County maintains property records permanently in accordance with state law and records retention requirements. The permanent preservation of property records ensures the continuity of the chain of title and protects property rights across generations.
The retention periods for various property-related documents include:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: Permanent retention
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Property Tax Records: Minimum 7 years, with permanent retention of tax rolls
- Building Permits: 3 years after final inspection
- Property Assessment Records: Permanent retention of final assessment rolls
- Tax Sale Certificates: Permanent retention
These retention periods are established under the Mississippi Records Retention Schedules administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The schedules are mandated by Mississippi Code § 25-59-1 et seq., which establishes the state's records management program.
The DeSoto County Chancery Clerk's Office has implemented a comprehensive records management system that includes:
- Digital scanning and indexing of historical records
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Backup systems to prevent data loss
- Disaster recovery protocols
For historical property records dating back to the county's establishment, the Chancery Clerk maintains both the original documents and digital copies. These historical records provide valuable information for title research, genealogical studies, and historical preservation efforts.
How To Find Liens on Property In DeSoto County?
Liens on property in DeSoto County are matters of public record and can be researched through several official channels. A lien search is an essential component of due diligence in real estate transactions and property ownership verification.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search in DeSoto County:
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Search the DeSoto County Public Records Search portal:
- Select "Lien Search" from the search options
- Enter the property owner's name or property address
- Review results for recorded liens, including tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Access and download lien documents as needed
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Visit the DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's Office for judgment liens:
- Request a judgment lien search under the property owner's name
- Review civil judgment records that may affect the property
- Obtain copies of relevant judgment documents
DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's Office
2535 Highway 51 South, 2nd Floor
Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: 662-469-8007
DeSoto County Circuit Clerk
- Check with the DeSoto County Tax Collector for tax liens:
- Search property tax records by parcel number or owner name
- Verify current tax status and any delinquent taxes
- Identify any tax sale certificates issued against the property
DeSoto County Tax Collector's Office
365 Losher Street, Suite 110
Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: 662-469-8017
DeSoto County Tax Collector
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Search federal tax liens at the Chancery Clerk's Office:
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the county
- Search by property owner's name
- Review federal tax lien index
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Check for municipal liens with the relevant city government:
- Contact the city where the property is located
- Inquire about utility liens, code enforcement liens, or special assessments
- Request a municipal lien search if available
For the most comprehensive results, property owners and interested parties may consider engaging a title company to conduct a professional title search, which will include a thorough lien investigation.
What Is Property Owner Rule In DeSoto County?
The Property Owner Rule in DeSoto County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the county. These rules are derived from Mississippi state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirements:
- All instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the Chancery Clerk
- Unrecorded instruments are valid between parties but may not provide notice to third parties
- Priority of interests is generally determined by order of recording
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements under Mississippi Code § 89-5-24
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Ownership Forms and Rights:
- Fee simple ownership conveys complete property rights
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common without right of survivorship
- Life estates with remainder interests
- Homestead rights protecting primary residences
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Property Tax Obligations:
- Annual property tax assessments based on property value
- Payment deadlines and penalties for late payment
- Tax sale procedures for delinquent properties
- Redemption rights after tax sales
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Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must disclose known material defects
- Specific disclosure forms required for residential transactions
- Flood zone and environmental hazard disclosures
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Adverse Possession:
- Requires actual, open, notorious, exclusive, and continuous possession
- Minimum 10-year possession period under Mississippi Code § 15-1-13
- Payment of property taxes strengthens adverse possession claims
The Property Owner Rule is enforced through the DeSoto County Circuit Court for most property disputes and the Chancery Court for matters involving title, partition, and certain property rights issues. Property owners are expected to comply with these rules and may face legal consequences for violations.
Property owners should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific guidance on property ownership matters, as the application of these rules can vary based on individual circumstances and property characteristics.
Lookup Property Records in DeSoto County
DeSoto County Tax Assessor's Office
DeSoto County Property Tax Information
DeSoto County Public Records Search Portal
DeSoto County Records Directory
DeSoto County Tax Collector's Office