What is a tangled title?

When someone lives in a home they pay for and treat as their own but does not have their name on the deed to the property.

How do I check if I have a tangled title?

Check the Deed to find out who the City considers to be the owner of your house.

Check if your name is on the deed to your home

  • Go to the Office of Property Assessment website to find out who the City considers the owner of your house:*
    • Type in your property address. Then click the gold-colored “Search” (magnifying glass) symbol.
    • The property owner’s name and other information should appear.
    • *Sometimes information provided on this webpage is not entirely accurate. The only way to ensure that you have accurate information is to go to the Department of Records in person; see the instructions below.
  • Go to the Department of Records’ Public Access website to find the most recent deed*
    • Agree to the terms and complete the captcha
    • Click the “Document Search – Free Public Search” button
    • Click the “Document Search – Deeds” button
    • In the appropriate boxes, enter the house number and the street name without the designation (street, avenue, etc.)
    • Click the search button
    • Check the names listed under “Grantee” on the first deed that appears

If your name is not listed on the deed as a “grantee”, you are not legally an owner of the property. Call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline.
If your name is listed on the deed as a “grantee,” but someone else’s name is also listed, you and the other person together own the property. If that information is not correct, call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline.

 

*This website only shows documents recorded since 1974. For deeds recorded between 1955 and 1974, go to the Department of Records in person

Go to the Department of Records’ office in City Hall, Room 154, and ask to see the most recent deed recorded for your property. (It is best to ask for a copy that you can keep, which will cost around $10.00.) They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

For deeds recorded before 1955, go to the City Archives at 548 Spring Garden.

What kind of Tangled Title do I have?

A relative who owns my home passed away

I already own my home or someone I know is willing to give it to meI

I have some other legal claim to my home and need to file in court to become the owner

  • You will more easily be able to negotiate with the City or a utility company about back taxes or bills;
  • You can access a grant from the City to make home repairs;
  • You will be able to take out a mortgage or a loan;
  • You will more easily be able to sell your house;
  • You will be able to obtain homeowners’ insurance on the property;
  • You will be able to give your property to your family or friends if something happens to you (for example, through a will); or
  • You can stop someone who is trying to kick you out of your house.
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