Raleigh County Property Records
What Is Raleigh County Property Records
Property records in Raleigh 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 transactions throughout the county. Pursuant to West Virginia Code § 39-1-2, all deeds, contracts, and other instruments concerning real estate must be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public.
The primary purposes of Raleigh County 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
The Raleigh County Clerk's Office maintains these vital records as part of its statutory duties. Property records in Raleigh County date back to the county's formation in 1850 and constitute an unbroken chain of ownership documentation for all parcels within county boundaries.
Raleigh County Clerk's Office
116 North Heber Street, Suite B
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-8681
Raleigh County Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In Raleigh County?
Property records in Raleigh County are public information and accessible to all citizens under West Virginia law. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act establishes the public's right to access government records, while West Virginia Code § 39-1-2 specifically mandates that property records be maintained for public inspection.
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 constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public records support proper functioning of real estate markets
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the state's commitment to transparency in government operations and property ownership.
The West Virginia Legislature has determined that public access to property records is essential for the proper functioning of the real estate market and protection of property rights. As such, these records remain available for inspection during regular business hours at the Raleigh County Courthouse and through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies.
How To Search Property Records in Raleigh County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search Raleigh County property records may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The following procedures outline the standard process for accessing these records:
In-Person Searches:
- Visit the Raleigh County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Provide specific information about the property (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Staff will assist in locating relevant records
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Raleigh County Clerk's Office
- Include specific property information and search parameters
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for anticipated copy fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Online Searches:
- Access the WV Property Search portal
- Select Raleigh County from the dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (owner name, address, or parcel ID)
- Review search results and select property of interest
- Access available property record information
For complex searches or historical records, the Raleigh County Clerk's Office recommends scheduling an appointment with the records division to ensure staff availability for assistance. Under current West Virginia law, certain property records may have restricted access due to privacy concerns or ongoing legal proceedings.
How To Find Property Records in Raleigh County Online?
Raleigh County offers several digital platforms for accessing property records online. These resources provide convenient access to property information without requiring an in-person visit to county offices. The following online search methods are currently available:
WV Property Viewer:
- Navigate to the WV Property Viewer portal
- Select Raleigh County (code 41) from the county selection menu
- Use the map interface to locate properties visually
- Click on a parcel to view basic property information
- Access links to additional property data including assessment information
Raleigh County Assessor's Online Database:
- Visit the Raleigh County Assessor's website
- Select "Property Search" from the main navigation menu
- Enter search criteria (owner name, address, or parcel ID)
- Review property assessment information, including:
- Current assessed value
- Property classification
- Land and improvement details
- Recent sales information
West Virginia State Auditor's Property Tax System:
- Access the WV State Auditor's property tax portal
- Select Raleigh County from the county selection menu
- Enter property information in the search fields
- View tax assessment and payment history
- Access property tax statements and receipts
These online resources are maintained pursuant to West Virginia Code § 11-1A-9, which requires county assessors to maintain property information in accessible formats. While most current records are available online, historical documents may require in-person research at the county clerk's office.
Raleigh County Assessor's Office
215 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9120
Raleigh County Assessor
How To Look Up Raleigh County Property Records for Free?
Raleigh County residents and interested parties may access property records without cost through several free resources. The following methods provide no-cost access to property information:
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Raleigh County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Use the public access computer terminals in the Clerk's Office
- Search property records using the county's internal database
- View documents on screen at no charge
- Print copies for a nominal fee ($1.00 per page)
Online Free Resources:
- Access the WV Property Tax Assessment database
- Use the WV Property Viewer for parcel maps and basic property data
- Visit the Raleigh County website for tax assessment information
- Utilize the West Virginia Secretary of State's business records portal for property owned by businesses
Public Libraries:
- Visit the Raleigh County Public Library
- Use public computers with internet access
- Access county and state property databases
- Receive assistance from library staff if needed
While viewing property records is free, obtaining certified copies or extensive research assistance may incur fees. The Raleigh County Clerk's Office maintains a fee schedule for official document copies and certification services as authorized by West Virginia Code § 59-1-11.
Raleigh County Public Library
221 North Kanawha Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-0511
Raleigh County Public Library
What's Included in a Raleigh County Property Record?
Raleigh County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the County Clerk and Assessor, in accordance with West Virginia Code § 11-3-1 regarding property assessment and recording requirements.
Property records typically include the following components:
Deed Records:
- Legal description of the property
- Names of grantors (sellers) and grantees (buyers)
- Date of property transfer
- Sale price or consideration amount
- Deed restrictions or covenants
- Signatures and notarization
Assessment Records:
- Parcel identification number
- Property classification (residential, commercial, agricultural)
- Land value assessment
- Improvement value assessment
- Total assessed value
- Property tax rate information
Plat Maps and Surveys:
- Property boundaries
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Subdivision information
- Lot dimensions and acreage
- Adjacent property information
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Easements and covenants
Building Records:
- Building permits
- Certificates of occupancy
- Inspection reports
- Code compliance documentation
- Improvement details
It is important to note that Raleigh County distinguishes between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) in its record-keeping systems. While both types are subject to property taxation, they are recorded and maintained in separate systems with different search methods.
How Long Does Raleigh County Keep Property Records?
Raleigh County maintains property records in perpetuity for most land ownership documents. The retention of these records is governed by the West Virginia Records Management and Preservation Act and specific retention schedules established by the West Virginia State Archives.
The following retention periods apply to various property-related documents:
Permanent Retention (Never Destroyed):
- Deeds and property transfers
- Plat maps and surveys
- Mortgage and lien satisfactions
- Property tax assessment rolls
- Land grants and original patents
- Subdivision plats and declarations
Extended Retention (25+ Years):
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy (life of structure plus 5 years)
- Property tax payment records (25 years)
- Zoning variance records (25 years)
- Special assessment records (25 years)
Standard Retention (7-10 Years):
- Routine correspondence regarding property (7 years)
- Temporary permits (7 years after expiration)
- Property inspection reports (10 years)
- Assessment appeals documentation (10 years after final determination)
The West Virginia State Archives provides oversight and guidance to county governments regarding records retention. While most property records are maintained permanently, certain supporting documentation may be subject to destruction after the mandated retention period. The county maintains microfilm and digital backups of essential property records to ensure their preservation.
West Virginia State Archives
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-0230
West Virginia State Archives
How To Find Liens on Property In Raleigh County?
Identifying liens and encumbrances on Raleigh County property requires searching several official records repositories. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. The following procedure outlines the process for conducting a comprehensive lien search:
County Clerk's Office Search:
- Visit the Raleigh County Clerk's Office
- Request a lien search for the specific property (provide parcel ID or legal description)
- Search the following indexes:
- Judgment lien docket
- Tax lien records
- Mechanic's lien filings
- Lis pendens notices
- Review documents to verify lien status, amount, and filing date
Online Lien Search:
- Access the West Virginia Secretary of State's UCC filing system
- Search by property owner name
- Review any UCC financing statements that may attach to fixtures on the property
- Note filing dates and secured party information
Tax Lien Verification:
- Contact the Raleigh County Sheriff's Tax Office
- Provide the parcel identification number
- Request verification of current and delinquent tax status
- Obtain a tax lien certificate if needed for closing
State Tax Department:
- Contact the West Virginia State Tax Department
- Request a state tax lien search for the property owner
- Verify if any state tax liens have been filed against the property
For comprehensive lien searches, many property buyers utilize professional title companies that specialize in identifying all potential claims against property. These searches are typically conducted during real estate transactions to ensure clear title can be transferred to the new owner.
Raleigh County Sheriff's Tax Office
215 Main Street
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-9126
Raleigh County Sheriff
What Is Property Owner Rule In Raleigh County?
The Property Owner Rule in Raleigh County refers to the set of regulations governing property ownership, transfer, and taxation within the county. These rules are established through a combination of state statutes, county ordinances, and administrative procedures. The following key provisions apply to property ownership in Raleigh County:
Recording Requirements:
Pursuant to West Virginia Code § 39-1-2, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded in the county where the property is located. This includes:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Mineral rights leases and transfers
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners in Raleigh County are subject to annual property tax assessments based on the fair market value of their property. Under West Virginia Code § 11-3-1, the county assessor determines property values, which are then used to calculate tax obligations. Key requirements include:
- Annual property tax payments due in two installments (September 1 and March 1)
- Property tax rates set by the county commission, school board, and municipalities
- Homestead exemption available for qualifying senior citizens and disabled persons
- Tax appeals must be filed with the County Commission sitting as Board of Equalization and Review
Ownership Transfer Procedures:
When property ownership changes in Raleigh County, specific procedures must be followed:
- Deeds must be properly executed, notarized, and contain a legal description
- Transfer tax stamps must be purchased based on the property's sale price
- New owners must file a Declaration of Value form with the county assessor
- Property transfers must be recorded within 18 months of execution to maintain priority
Land Use Regulations:
Property owners must comply with county zoning and land use regulations, which vary by location within the county. These regulations govern:
- Permitted property uses by zone
- Building setbacks and height restrictions
- Subdivision requirements
- Floodplain management restrictions
- Historic district preservation standards in designated areas
The Raleigh County Commission and Planning Department administer these regulations to ensure orderly development and protect property values throughout the county.