Cambria County Property Records
What Is Cambria County Property Records
Cambria County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Cambria County, Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 351, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property in Pennsylvania must be recorded in the appropriate county office. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public.
Property records in Cambria County include:
- Deeds and title documents
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Tax assessment records
- Property tax payment history
The Cambria County Recorder of Deeds Office maintains the official repository of property records for the county, serving as the primary custodian of these vital documents. This office is responsible for recording, indexing, and preserving all documents related to real property transactions within the county boundaries.
Are Property Records Public Information In Cambria County?
Property records in Cambria County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Pennsylvania law. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101) establishes the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by law, and property records are explicitly designated as 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 accessibility to provide constructive notice
- 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 without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy ensures transparency in property ownership and facilitates legitimate business, legal, and personal interests related to real property.
The Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds Fee Law (21 P.S. § 8) authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of property records, though viewing records in person typically incurs minimal or no fees. These fees help offset the costs of maintaining and providing access to these important public records.
How To Search Property Records in Cambria County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Cambria County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently offers both in-person and online options for property record searches.
For in-person searches, individuals may visit:
Cambria County Recorder of Deeds Office
200 South Center Street, Suite 114
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1473
Cambria County Recorder of Deeds
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
The search process involves the following steps:
- Determine the specific information needed (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Gather identifying information about the property (address, parcel number, owner name)
- Complete a records request form, available at the office or downloadable from the county website
- Submit the request to the appropriate county office
- Pay any applicable search or copy fees
- Receive and review the requested records
For tax assessment records, citizens may contact:
Cambria County Assessment Office
200 South Center Street, Suite 105
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1412
Cambria County Tax Assessment
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Uniform Parcel Identifier Law, all properties in Cambria County are assigned unique parcel identification numbers, which facilitate accurate record searches and property identification.
How To Find Property Records in Cambria County Online?
Cambria County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources provide convenient access to property information without requiring a visit to county offices.
To access property records online, follow these steps:
- Visit the Cambria County website
- Navigate to the appropriate department section (Recorder of Deeds, Tax Assessment, etc.)
- Select the online records search option
- Create an account if required (some basic searches may not require registration)
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Property owner name
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Document type or date range
- Review search results and select specific records for detailed viewing
- Pay any applicable fees for document copies or certified records
- Download or print the requested documents
The Cambria County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) portal provides interactive mapping capabilities that allow users to visualize property boundaries, locate specific parcels, and access basic property information. This system integrates with other county databases to provide comprehensive property information.
For tax and assessment records, the Cambria County Tax Assessment Office maintains an online database that includes:
- Current property ownership information
- Property valuation and assessment data
- Tax payment status
- Property characteristics and improvements
- Land use classification
Online access to property records is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing flexibility for researchers, real estate professionals, and property owners to access information at their convenience.
How To Look Up Cambria County Property Records for Free?
Cambria County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost. While some specialized services or document copies may require payment, basic property information is available without fees.
Free access options include:
- In-person viewing at county offices: Visitors may examine property records at no charge during regular business hours at:
Cambria County Courthouse
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1600
Cambria County Government
-
Public access terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Recorder of Deeds Office and other county departments for self-directed searches of digital records.
-
Basic online searches: The county's public GIS portal and basic property search functions are available without subscription fees at the Cambria County GIS website.
-
Public libraries: Several public libraries throughout Cambria County offer free internet access where citizens can utilize the county's online property record systems.
-
Tax Claim Bureau records: Basic information about properties with delinquent taxes can be viewed at no cost through the Cambria County Tax Claim Bureau.
When conducting free searches, users should note that:
- Document printing or official copies typically incur fees
- Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
- Complex or extensive searches may require staff assistance, which could involve service fees
- Historical records not yet digitized may require staff retrieval, potentially incurring service charges
The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law guarantees the right to inspect public records at no cost, though reasonable fees may be charged for copies or specialized services.
What's Included in a Cambria County Property Record?
Cambria County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county boundaries. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets not included in property records).
Multiple county offices maintain different aspects of property records:
- Recorder of Deeds: ownership documents, mortgages, liens
- Assessment Office: valuation, tax assessment, property characteristics
- Tax Claim Bureau: delinquent tax records, tax sales
- Planning/Zoning: land use, permits, variances
- GIS Department: mapping, spatial data, boundaries
A typical Cambria County property record includes:
-
Ownership Information
- Current and previous property owners
- Chain of title showing ownership history
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration
-
Property Description
- Legal description of the property
- Parcel identification number
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Boundary survey information
-
Financial Information
- Current assessed value
- Market value
- Tax assessment history
- Tax payment status
- Mortgage information
- Liens or judgments
-
Structural Information
- Building size and dimensions
- Year built
- Construction type
- Number of rooms/units
- Improvements and additions
-
Legal Encumbrances
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Homeowners association information
- Zoning classification
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 21 § 356, all recorded documents must meet specific formatting and content requirements to be accepted for recording, ensuring consistency and completeness of property records.
How Long Does Cambria County Keep Property Records?
Cambria County maintains property records permanently, in accordance with Pennsylvania state law and county records retention policies. The permanent preservation of property records ensures the continuity of property ownership documentation and protects property rights across generations.
The retention periods for various property-related documents include:
- Deeds and title documents: Permanent retention
- Mortgage and lien records: Permanent retention
- Tax assessment records: Permanent retention of base records, with periodic updates
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy: Minimum 7 years after issuance
- Zoning variance records: Permanent retention
- Subdivision and land development plans: Permanent retention
- Property tax payment records: 7 years after payment or settlement
The Pennsylvania Local Government Records Act establishes the legal framework for records retention at the county level, mandating the preservation of essential property records. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission provides guidance on records retention schedules that counties must follow.
Cambria County has implemented both physical and digital preservation strategies:
- Historical records are maintained in climate-controlled storage
- Modern records are digitized and backed up in secure systems
- Microfilm copies exist for many older records as a preservation measure
- Disaster recovery protocols protect against loss of critical property records
The county's commitment to permanent records retention ensures that property ownership history remains traceable regardless of how much time has passed since the original transaction.
How To Find Liens on Property In Cambria County?
Liens on property in Cambria County can be identified through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold, and identifying existing liens is a crucial step in property transactions.
To search for liens on Cambria County properties:
-
Recorder of Deeds Office: This office maintains records of most liens filed against properties, including:
- Mortgage liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Municipal liens
- State and federal tax liens
Cambria County Recorder of Deeds Office
200 South Center Street, Suite 114
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1473
Cambria County Recorder of Deeds -
Prothonotary's Office: This office records civil judgments that may become liens against real property:
Cambria County Prothonotary
200 South Center Street, Suite 110
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1440
Cambria County Prothonotary -
Tax Claim Bureau: For tax liens and properties subject to tax sale:
Cambria County Tax Claim Bureau
200 South Center Street, Suite 110
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-1445
Cambria County Tax Claim -
Online Lien Search: The county's online records system allows for searching liens by:
- Property owner name
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Lien holder name
- Date range
When conducting a lien search, requestors should be aware that:
- Some liens may be filed at the state or federal level
- Not all liens may be immediately visible in basic searches
- Professional title searches are recommended for property transactions
- Liens have different priority levels that affect payment order
Under Pennsylvania law (53 P.S. § 7106), municipal liens have specific priority status, and understanding lien priority is essential when evaluating property encumbrances.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Cambria County?
The Property Owner Rule in Cambria County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, transfer, and rights within the county. These rules are derived from Pennsylvania state law and local ordinances.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
-
Recording Requirement: Under Pennsylvania law, all documents affecting real property interests must be recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds to provide constructive notice to the public and establish priority of interests.
-
First in Time, First in Right: Pennsylvania follows the principle that properly recorded interests generally have priority based on the order of recording, as established in 21 P.S. § 351.
-
Bona Fide Purchaser Protection: Purchasers who buy property without notice of prior unrecorded interests and pay valuable consideration receive protection under Pennsylvania law.
-
Tax Liability: Property owners in Cambria County are responsible for all property taxes assessed against their real estate. Failure to pay these taxes can result in tax liens and eventually tax sale of the property.
-
Disclosure Requirements: Sellers of residential property must provide buyers with a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement detailing known material defects, as required by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law.
-
Adverse Possession: Under Pennsylvania law, a person who openly occupies another's land without permission for 21 continuous years may claim ownership through adverse possession.
-
Property Maintenance: Property owners must maintain their properties in accordance with local codes and ordinances. Failure to do so may result in code enforcement actions, fines, or municipal liens.
-
Easements and Restrictions: Property owners must respect recorded easements, covenants, and restrictions that run with the land, even if created by previous owners.
The Cambria County Assessment Office administers property tax assessments in accordance with these rules and Pennsylvania's assessment laws, ensuring fair and uniform property valuation throughout the county.
Lookup Property Records in Cambria County
Cambria County Recorder of Deeds Office
Cambria County Tax Assessment Office