Lubbock County Property Records
What Is Lubbock County Property Records
Property records in Lubbock County constitute official documentation that chronicles the ownership history, legal descriptions, and financial encumbrances associated with real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding land and structural assets located in Lubbock County, Texas. The Lubbock County Clerk's Office maintains these records pursuant to Texas Property Code § 11.001, which establishes the legal framework for property documentation in the state.
The comprehensive collection of property records includes:
- Deeds and conveyances documenting transfers of ownership
- Mortgages and liens affecting property rights
- Plat maps showing property boundaries and subdivisions
- Tax assessment information and payment history
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Mineral rights documentation
- Foreclosure notices and related proceedings
The Lubbock County Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining both historical and contemporary documentation. Property records provide essential information for real estate transactions, title research, and property tax administration within the jurisdiction.
Lubbock County Clerk's Office
916 Main Street, Suite 401
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 775-1061
Lubbock County Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In Lubbock County?
Property records in Lubbock County are classified as public information and are accessible to all citizens in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including property documentation, shall be available to the public during normal business hours unless specifically exempted by law.
The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes:
- Ensures transparency in property ownership and transfers
- Facilitates informed real estate transactions
- Supports proper tax assessment and collection
- Enables verification of property rights and encumbrances
- Assists in historical and genealogical research
While property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with Texas Property Code § 11.008, which provides for the confidentiality of social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and similar identifying information. Additionally, certain records may be restricted if their disclosure would compromise personal safety or security as determined by judicial order.
Members of the public may access Lubbock County property records through the online document search portal or by visiting the County Clerk's office in person. The Lubbock Central Appraisal District also maintains public property information related to valuations and tax assessments.
How To Search Property Records in Lubbock County in 2025
Lubbock County offers multiple methods for searching property records in 2025, each designed to accommodate different research needs and technological preferences. The County has implemented enhanced search capabilities that allow for more precise and efficient record retrieval.
To conduct a property records search, individuals may utilize the following procedures:
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Online Search Portal: Navigate to the Lubbock County Clerk's online document search system. Users may search by:
- Property owner name (current or previous)
- Property address
- Legal description
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Document number
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In-Person Research: Visit the Real Property Division of the County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM). Staff members are available to assist with accessing physical records and navigating the public computer terminals.
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GIS-Based Property Search: The City of Lubbock GIS & Data Services provides interactive mapping tools that allow users to identify properties visually and access associated record information.
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Appraisal District Database: The Lubbock Central Appraisal District maintains searchable property information focused on valuations, ownership, and tax data.
For complex searches or historical records predating digital conversion, the County Clerk's Office recommends scheduling an appointment with the Real Property Division at (806) 775-1061. Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 118.011, fees may apply for certified copies of documents, though viewing records is generally provided without charge.
How To Find Property Records in Lubbock County Online?
The digital accessibility of Lubbock County property records has been significantly enhanced through several online platforms maintained by county and municipal authorities. These resources enable remote access to comprehensive property information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resources for locating Lubbock County property records include:
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Lubbock County Clerk's Official Records Search: This platform provides access to recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and related instruments. The system allows for searches by:
- Grantor/Grantee names
- Recording date ranges
- Document types
- Legal descriptions
- Document numbers
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Lubbock Central Appraisal District Property Search: This database focuses on property valuation information and includes:
- Current ownership details
- Property characteristics and improvements
- Assessed values and exemption status
- Tax rates and jurisdictions
- Property photographs and sketches
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Lubbock County Real Property Division: This portal provides information about obtaining official copies of property records and explains the process for requesting certified documents.
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City of Lubbock GIS Portal: This interactive mapping system allows users to visualize property boundaries, zoning designations, and access linked property data.
When utilizing these online resources, users should note that pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 13, Part 1, Chapter 7, some documents may have redacted information to protect personal privacy. For complete unredacted records (where legally permissible), in-person requests may be necessary.
Can You Look Up Lubbock County Property Records for Free?
Lubbock County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records, though certain specialized services may incur fees as established by the Texas Local Government Code § 118.011. The county's commitment to public information accessibility is reflected in these free research options.
Free property record access is available through the following channels:
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Public Online Search: The Lubbock County Clerk's online document search system offers free basic searching and viewing of indexed property records. This service includes access to document images for records that have been digitized.
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Appraisal District Website: The Lubbock Central Appraisal District maintains a free public database of property ownership, valuation, and tax information that can be searched by address, owner name, or property identification number.
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals available at the County Clerk's Office provide free on-site access to the complete digital record system, including documents that may not be available through the public website.
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In-Person Viewing: Members of the public may examine physical property records at no charge during regular business hours at the Real Property Division.
Fees are applicable in the following circumstances:
- Certified copies of documents ($5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Uncertified copies ($1.00 per page)
- Research assistance beyond standard lookup help ($10.00 per name/record searched)
- Bulk data requests or specialized reports
Lubbock County Real Property Division
916 Main Street, Suite 401
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 775-1061
Real Property Division
What's Included in a Lubbock County Property Record?
Lubbock County property records contain comprehensive information regarding real estate parcels within the jurisdiction, documenting legal ownership and encumbrances pursuant to Texas Property Code requirements. These records serve as the official history of property transactions and characteristics.
A standard Lubbock County property record typically includes:
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Ownership Information: Names of current and previous property owners, dates of acquisition, and transaction details.
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Legal Description: Precise boundary definitions using metes and bounds, lot and block numbers, or survey references that legally identify the property location and dimensions.
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Deed Information: Type of deed (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty), recording date, document number, and volume/page references in the county records.
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Financial Encumbrances: Mortgages, liens, judgments, and other financial claims against the property, including amounts and parties involved.
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Easements and Restrictions: Rights-of-way, utility easements, deed restrictions, and covenants that limit property use or grant access rights to others.
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Tax Information: Property tax account numbers, assessed valuations, tax rates, and jurisdictions with taxing authority over the property.
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Plat References: Maps showing the property in relation to surrounding parcels, streets, and geographic features.
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Improvement Data: Information about structures and other improvements to the land, though detailed building characteristics are more extensively documented in appraisal district records.
The Lubbock Central Appraisal District maintains supplementary information about property characteristics, including building details, square footage, construction quality, and property use classifications that complement the legal records maintained by the County Clerk.
How Long Does Lubbock County Keep Property Records?
Lubbock County maintains property records in perpetuity in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 203.042, which establishes retention requirements for local government records of enduring value. This permanent retention policy ensures the continuous availability of the county's property ownership history.
The county's record retention practices include:
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Historical Records: Property records dating back to the county's formation in 1891 are preserved and maintained as permanent archives. These historical documents have been progressively digitized to ensure their preservation while improving accessibility.
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Modern Records: Contemporary property documents are maintained in both physical and digital formats. All new records are electronically recorded and backed up in multiple secure systems to prevent data loss.
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Disaster Recovery Protocols: Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 13, Part 1, Chapter 7, the county maintains comprehensive disaster recovery systems for property records, including off-site backups and preservation copies.
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Record Restoration: Damaged or deteriorating historical property records undergo conservation treatment to ensure their continued legibility and preservation.
The Lubbock County Clerk's Office has implemented a multi-tiered storage system that includes climate-controlled physical archives, primary digital storage, and redundant backup systems. This approach ensures that property records remain accessible regardless of their age or original recording format.
While property records are permanently retained, the level of immediate accessibility may vary based on the age of the document. Records from recent decades are typically available through immediate digital access, while very old records may require staff assistance to retrieve from archival storage.
How To Find Liens on Property In Lubbock County?
Liens against property in Lubbock County are documented as public records and can be researched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred.
To locate liens on Lubbock County property, interested parties may utilize the following methods:
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County Clerk's Records Search: The Lubbock County Clerk's online document search system allows users to search for recorded liens by:
- Property owner name
- Property address or legal description
- Document type (selecting specific lien categories)
- Date ranges
- Document number (if known)
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In-Person Research: Visit the Lubbock County Clerk's Office to conduct a comprehensive lien search with assistance from staff members who can help navigate complex records.
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Tax Records Examination: The Lubbock Central Appraisal District maintains information about tax liens and delinquencies affecting property within the county.
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Federal Tax Lien Search: Federal tax liens are recorded with the County Clerk and can be located through the standard records search process. The County Clerk's federal tax lien section provides specific guidance for these searches.
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Judgment Lien Verification: The District Clerk's Office maintains records of court judgments that may create liens against property owned by judgment debtors.
Common types of liens that may be discovered include:
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's and materialmen's liens
- Property tax liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Homeowner association liens
- Child support liens
Pursuant to Texas Property Code § 51.0001-51.002, certain liens may have priority over others, and this priority order can affect property rights and disposition in cases of foreclosure or sale.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Lubbock County?
The Property Owner Rule in Lubbock County refers to the legal principle codified in Texas Rules of Evidence Rule 701 and Texas Property Code § 22.001 that allows property owners to testify about the value of their own property without qualifying as expert witnesses. This rule has significant implications for property disputes, tax protests, and condemnation proceedings.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule as applied in Lubbock County include:
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Presumption of Knowledge: Property owners are presumed to have special knowledge about their property that enables them to form and express opinions about its value.
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Testimony Admissibility: In legal proceedings, a property owner's testimony regarding the value of their property is generally admissible even without formal appraisal credentials or expert qualifications.
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Limitations: While owners may testify to value, their testimony must still have a factual basis and may be challenged through cross-examination or contradictory evidence.
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Application in Tax Protests: When protesting property tax valuations before the Lubbock Central Appraisal District, property owners may present their own value opinions and supporting evidence.
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Condemnation Proceedings: In eminent domain cases, property owners may testify regarding their property's value as part of the compensation determination process.
The rule does not exempt property owners from providing a factual basis for their valuation opinions. The Texas Comptroller's Office provides guidance on preparing evidence for property tax protests that aligns with this rule.
Property owners seeking to utilize this rule should prepare documentation supporting their valuation claims, which may include comparable sales data, repair estimates, income and expense statements for commercial properties, or other relevant market information.
Lookup Property Records in Lubbock County
Search Lubbock County Property Records Online
Access Real Property Records and Requests
Find Property Appraisal Information