Charleston County Property Records
What Is Charleston County Property Records
Charleston County property records constitute the official documentation of real property ownership, transactions, and characteristics within Charleston County, South Carolina. These records are maintained by several county departments working in coordination to provide comprehensive property information to the public. Property records serve as the authoritative source for determining ownership rights, property boundaries, tax obligations, and land use restrictions.
The primary custodians of property records in Charleston County include:
Charleston County Register of Mesne Conveyance (RMC)
101 Meeting Street, Room 200
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 958-4800
Charleston County RMC
Charleston County Assessor's Office
4045 Bridge View Drive, Suite C221
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 958-4100
Charleston County Assessor
Property records typically encompass deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, easements, covenants, and other documents that affect real property interests. These records are indexed and archived according to South Carolina Code § 30-5-10 et seq., which establishes requirements for recording and maintaining land records. The documentation system provides a chain of title that can be traced from the current owner back through previous owners, often for many decades.
Are Property Records Public Information In Charleston County?
Property records in Charleston County are public information pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq.) and longstanding common law principles regarding public access to government records. Members of the public may inspect and obtain copies of property records without demonstrating any specific interest in the property or providing justification for their request.
The public nature of these records serves several important functions:
- Provides transparency in property ownership and transfers
- Establishes notice of property interests to potential buyers and creditors
- Facilitates real estate transactions and property development
- Enables property tax assessment and collection
- Supports historical and genealogical research
While property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with S.C. Code § 30-2-310, which protects privacy interests in public records. Such protected information typically includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers.
Public access to property records is available through in-person visits to county offices during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), as well as through various online platforms maintained by Charleston County and the City of Charleston. The City of Charleston GIS system provides convenient access to property boundaries, zoning information, and related property data.
How To Search Property Records in Charleston County in 2025
Searching property records in Charleston County in 2025 involves several methods designed to accommodate different research needs. The county has implemented enhanced search capabilities that allow for more efficient access to property information. Individuals seeking property records may utilize the following approaches:
In-Person Research:
- Visit the Charleston County Register of Mesne Conveyance (RMC) office at 101 Meeting Street, Room 200, Charleston, SC 29401
- Research terminals are available for public use Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Staff assistance is available for complex searches
- Bring property identification information such as owner name, property address, or Tax Map Number (TMS#)
Online Search Methods:
- Access the Charleston County property records portal through the county's official website
- Utilize the City of Charleston Document Search for properties within city limits
- Search parameters include:
- Owner name (current or previous)
- Property address
- Tax Map Number (TMS#)
- Subdivision name
- Document type and recording date
For comprehensive property research, users should be prepared with as much identifying information as possible. The Charleston County Assessor's Office recommends beginning searches with the Tax Map Number when available, as this provides the most direct path to specific property records. Pursuant to S.C. Code § 30-5-16, all recorded documents must be indexed within a reasonable time frame, typically within 30 days of recording.
How To Find Property Records in Charleston County Online?
Charleston County provides multiple online platforms for accessing property records electronically. These digital resources have been developed in accordance with S.C. Code § 30-6-50, which authorizes counties to maintain electronic records systems. The online search options offer convenient access to property information without requiring a visit to county offices.
The primary online resources include:
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Charleston County Property Records Search - Accessible through the Charleston County Government website, this system provides access to ownership information, property characteristics, tax assessment data, and recorded documents.
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Charleston County GIS Mapping - This interactive mapping system displays property boundaries, zoning designations, flood zones, and other spatial data. The City of Charleston GIS platform offers similar capabilities for properties within city limits.
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Register of Mesne Conveyance (RMC) Online Search - This specialized database focuses on recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens. Users can search by name, property address, or document type.
To conduct an effective online search, users should:
- Select the appropriate search platform based on the type of information needed
- Enter search criteria (owner name, address, TMS#)
- Review search results to identify relevant records
- Access detailed property information or document images as needed
- Download or print records for personal reference
Online access is available 24 hours per day, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Technical support for online systems is available during regular business hours by contacting the respective county departments.
Can You Look Up Charleston County Property Records for Free?
Charleston County provides both free and fee-based options for accessing property records. Basic property information is available at no cost, while more comprehensive document access and specialized services may require payment of established fees.
Free access options include:
- Basic property information through the Charleston County Assessor's website
- Limited property record searches through the Charleston County Government portal
- Public access terminals at county offices during regular business hours
- General property information through the City of Charleston GIS for properties within city limits
Fee-based services include:
- Certified copies of recorded documents ($5 for the first page, $1 for each additional page)
- Bulk data downloads or specialized reports
- Subscription services for high-volume users such as title companies
- Document recording fees for new property transactions
Fees for property record services are established pursuant to S.C. Code § 8-21-310, which authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and certification. Revenue generated from these fees supports the maintenance and improvement of property record systems.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue provides additional guidance on property record access and related tax information that may be useful to Charleston County property owners.
What's Included in a Charleston County Property Record?
Charleston County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained in accordance with South Carolina statutes and local ordinances to provide authoritative documentation of property ownership and characteristics.
A complete property record typically includes:
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Ownership Information
- Current owner name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration
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Property Characteristics
- Legal description
- Property address
- Tax Map Number (TMS#)
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building specifications (square footage, number of rooms, construction type)
- Year built and significant improvements
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Financial Information
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Tax classification
- Annual property tax amounts
- Tax payment history
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Recorded Documents
- Deeds and transfers
- Mortgages and satisfaction documents
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Plats and surveys
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Land Use Information
- Zoning classification
- Flood zone designation
- Historic district status
- Environmental constraints
The comprehensiveness of property records varies based on the property's age, location, and transaction history. Properties with longer histories or more complex ownership arrangements typically have more extensive documentation.
How Long Does Charleston County Keep Property Records?
Charleston County maintains property records permanently in accordance with South Carolina records retention requirements. The South Carolina Public Records Act (S.C. Code § 30-1-10 et seq.) establishes that property records are considered permanent records due to their ongoing legal and historical significance.
The retention practices include:
- Permanent preservation of all recorded deeds, mortgages, and related property documents
- Maintenance of historical tax records dating back to the county's establishment
- Preservation of original plats and surveys, with some records dating to the colonial era
- Digital conversion of older records for preservation and improved access
The Charleston County Register of Mesne Conveyance (RMC) office maintains records dating back to 1719, representing one of the oldest continuous property record collections in the United States. These historical records are preserved through specialized archival methods, including climate-controlled storage and digital backup systems.
While all property records are retained permanently, the accessibility of older records may vary. Recent records (generally those from 1980 forward) are typically available through online systems, while older records may require in-person research or staff assistance to locate and retrieve.
How To Find Liens on Property In Charleston County?
Liens on property in Charleston County are public records that can be researched through established channels. A lien represents a legal claim against a property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. Common types of liens include tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and mortgage liens.
To research liens on Charleston County property:
Method 1: Online Search
- Access the Charleston County RMC online records search
- Enter the property owner's name or Tax Map Number
- Review results for documents categorized as liens, judgments, or lis pendens
- Check tax records through the Charleston County Treasurer's Office for potential tax liens
Method 2: In-Person Research
- Visit the Charleston County RMC office at 101 Meeting Street, Room 200, Charleston, SC 29401
- Request a lien search for the specific property
- Check with the Charleston County Clerk of Court at 100 Broad Street, Suite 106, Charleston, SC 29401 for judgment liens
- Verify tax status with the Charleston County Treasurer at 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405
Method 3: Professional Search
- Engage a title company to conduct a comprehensive title search
- Request a lien certificate from a licensed attorney
- Utilize a professional document research service
Pursuant to S.C. Code § 29-5-10 et seq., certain liens such as mechanic's liens must be filed within 90 days of the last work performed on a property. Judgment liens generally remain effective for 10 years from the date of filing and may be renewed. Tax liens typically have priority over other liens and remain attached to the property until satisfied.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Charleston County?
The Property Owner Rule in Charleston County refers to the legal principle that establishes the rights and responsibilities of property owners regarding their real estate. This rule encompasses several key aspects of property ownership under South Carolina law and Charleston County ordinances.
Key elements of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Disclosure Requirements: Property owners must disclose known material defects when selling property, pursuant to S.C. Code § 27-50-10 et seq. (South Carolina Residential Property Condition Disclosure Act)
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Maintenance Responsibilities: Property owners are required to maintain their properties in compliance with Charleston County Code of Ordinances Chapter 5 (Buildings and Building Regulations)
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Tax Obligations: Property owners must pay annual property taxes based on assessed values determined by the Charleston County Assessor's Office
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Recording Requirements: Any transfer of property ownership must be properly recorded with the Charleston County Register of Mesne Conveyance to establish legal title
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Access Rights: Property owners have the right to reasonable access to their property, subject to easements, rights-of-way, and other recorded encumbrances
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Development Restrictions: Property use and development are subject to zoning regulations, building codes, and other land use controls established by Charleston County and municipal authorities
The Property Owner Rule also establishes that property ownership is presumed based on recorded deeds and other official records maintained by Charleston County. This presumption can be challenged only through proper legal proceedings in the Charleston County Court of Common Pleas.
Property owners seeking guidance on their rights and responsibilities may consult with the Charleston County Planning Department at 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405, (843) 202-7200, or review property regulations through the Charleston County Government website.
Lookup Property Records in Charleston County
Charleston County Property Maps