How do I find out who owns a property?

Question

I know you can find almost everything on the internet but I cant seem to find out who legally owns the property that I rent from! I have had many issues and I would like to know who to complain to? I think I will be calling the city but the lady next door told me that the people that we rent from don't have the right to rent the property. How do I find more information? I live in the Portland oregon area! Thank you so much! also do you know anything about sexual harassment from your landlord?

Answer 1

Call the tax office in the city or county where the property is located.  Ask where the real estate tax bill is sent.  Another way is to go to the county or city courthouse where the property is located and ask where the record room/deed room/land records room is (its called different things in different places.)  A clerk would be able to help you find the property owner by looking up land records for you.  Good luck!  

Answer 2

Usually you can call the customer service department at a Title & Escrow Company and request a Property Profile for your address and it will equip you with valuable information about the address and name of the owner as well.  Tax assessment, house and/or dwelling information and land values will also be given.  Ask for a copy of the current vesting deed and concurrent deed of trust which is evidence that a loan/mortgage may exist on the property.  Many times in the language of the deed of trust it will state whether the property is the owners residence or if it has been approved by the lender to be an investment property which is used for rental.

The lender must approve and consent to the property being used as a rental property as the owner/landlord may have used it for the security instrument of the loan.  I have gotten Property Profiles e-mailed to me in California from title companies in Oregon, so just asked if they can send it to you that way and they should be able to accomadate your request within a day or two.  Title and escrow companies are usually open Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm and are located in the Yellow Pages under Title and Escrow.

You also need to contact Oregan's Secretary of State or the Department of Housing and get a copy of the Renters Rights laws that are set out and applicable in the state.  Review its contents and then convey your concerns in written form to the landlord/owner and be sure to mail it certified with a return receipt, which will be evidence that your concerns were conveyed, mailed to and received by the landlord and the owner.  You will more than likely be able to access the Renters Rights laws of Oregon via the Internet.  I am an owner of rental property in California and am bound by many laws that are in favor of my tenants.  If the owners do not have the right to rent the property then that will be the fault of the owner/landlord and not yours.  I encourage you to read all information thoroughly as every renter should know what their rights are and how to exercise them.  Owners are responsible for their dwellings upkeep and they can not harass their tenants in any way, shape or form.  You as the tenant also have laws that must be followed that are in favor of the owner/landlord as well.  Your conveyance of concerns should always be done in written form,especially if dealing with the individual in person bothers you.  

Also, review your Rental Agreement as that should have alot of pertinent information as well.  I take it that the landlord is not the owner, but if he has signed the agreement with you then he is the appointed initial responsible party that the owner has selected or employeed to represent their interest during their absence.  The owner is always responsible for the repairs and upkeep of their real property investment.  Good Luck :0)

Answer 3

If you live in the city of Portland or Gresham you can get the information from the Multnomah County recorders office. If Beaverton or the west side, it is the Washington County recorder. If Oregon City, then the Clackamas County recorder. But it is probably easier to call any title insurance company and ask them for a customer service report with the last recorded deed. There may be a fee, but not much.

Answer 4

Call  the tax assessor's office in City Hall, or the County Court House depending where you live.  Tell the clerk the address of your house, and ask the clerk for the name and mailing address of the owner. Takes about one minute!

As for sexual harassment: move.  Don't tell the landlord where you are going.  That is the easiest, safest way out of that situation.