Caddo County Property Records

What Is Caddo County Property Records

Property records in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, comprise official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within parish boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the parish. The primary purpose of maintaining comprehensive property records is to establish legal ownership through a documented chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.

In accordance with Louisiana Civil Code Article 3338, the recording of instruments affecting immovable property is required to establish rights against third parties. This statute mandates that sales, mortgages, and other documents affecting real property must be properly recorded to be effective against third parties who do not have actual notice.

Property records in Caddo Parish are maintained by the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court, which serves as the official custodian of these vital documents. The Clerk's Office maintains records including:

• Deeds and conveyances
• Mortgages and liens
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Property tax records
• Plat maps and surveys
• Judgments affecting property rights

These records collectively form the legal foundation of property ownership in Caddo Parish and provide essential information for property owners, potential buyers, lenders, and other interested parties.

Are Property Records Public Information In Caddo County?

Property records in Caddo Parish are public information and accessible to all citizens under Louisiana law. The public nature of these records is established by the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.), which provides that all records used in the conduct of public business are presumed to be public records. Additionally, Louisiana Civil Code Article 3341 specifically addresses the public nature of the mortgage and conveyance records.

The legal basis for public access to property records rests on several important principles:

1. Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
2. Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
3. Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
4. Public records facilitate commerce and protect property rights

Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy ensures transparency in property ownership and transactions while facilitating due diligence in real estate matters.

Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
501 Texas Street, Room 103
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6780
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court

How To Search Property Records in Caddo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search property records in Caddo Parish may utilize several methods to access this information. The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court maintains the official property records and provides multiple avenues for conducting searches.

To search property records in person:

1. Visit the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
2. Complete a records search request form at the public counter
3. Provide specific information about the property (address, legal description, or owner name)
4. Staff will assist in locating the relevant records
5. Pay applicable fees for copies of documents ($1.00 per page for certified copies)

To search property records by mail:

1. Submit a written request to the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
2. Include specific information about the property being researched
3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees
4. Allow 5-10 business days for processing

For property tax records, individuals may contact the Caddo Parish Tax Assessor's Office, which maintains assessment records and property valuations. The Tax Assessor's records include property classifications, assessed values, and tax history.

Caddo Parish Tax Assessor
501 Texas Street, Room 101
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 226-6481
Caddo Parish Tax Assessor

How To Find Property Records in Caddo County Online?

Caddo Parish offers several online resources for accessing property records electronically. The digital availability of these records enhances public access and streamlines the research process for property information.

To access property records online:

1. Visit the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court's website
2. Navigate to the "Land Records" or "Property Records" section
3. Create a user account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration)
4. Select the appropriate search method:
   • Property address
   • Owner name
   • Parcel identification number
   • Legal description
   • Document type and date
5. Enter the search criteria and submit the query
6. Review the search results and select specific documents to view
7. Pay any applicable fees for document access or downloads

For property tax and assessment information, the Caddo Parish Tax Assessor maintains an online database that provides:

• Property ownership information
• Assessment values
• Property characteristics
• Tax history
• Homestead exemption status

The Louisiana Tax Commission also provides access to tax roll information that includes Caddo Parish properties. This resource allows users to search property tax information across multiple parishes in Louisiana.

Users should note that while basic property information is typically available at no cost, fees may apply for accessing complete documents or obtaining certified copies. Additionally, some historical records may not be available in digital format and may require in-person research.

How To Look Up Caddo County Property Records for Free?

Caddo Parish provides several options for accessing property records at no cost to the public. These free resources allow individuals to obtain basic property information without incurring fees.

Free property record search options include:

1. Public Access Terminals: The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court's office maintains public access terminals that allow visitors to search property records at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours.

2. Basic Online Searches: The Clerk of Court's website offers limited free searches that provide basic property information. While detailed document views may require payment, property indexes and basic ownership information are often available at no cost.

3. Tax Assessor's Public Portal: The Caddo Parish Tax Assessor's online database provides free access to property assessment information, including:

   • Owner name and mailing address
   • Property location and legal description
   • Assessment values
   • Property characteristics
   • Tax status

4. Parish GIS System: Caddo Parish maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) that provides free access to property maps, boundaries, and basic ownership information. This resource is particularly useful for identifying property boundaries and adjacent parcels.

5. Public Libraries: Local public libraries in Caddo Parish often provide free internet access where residents can utilize the online resources mentioned above without charge.

When utilizing free resources, researchers should be aware that while basic information is available at no cost, fees may apply for obtaining copies of documents, certified records, or accessing complete historical records. Additionally, complex title searches may require professional assistance or payment for comprehensive document access.

What's Included in a Caddo County Property Record?

Property records in Caddo Parish encompass a diverse range of documents that collectively establish and track property ownership and interests. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets).

Multiple parish offices maintain different components of the comprehensive property record system. The primary types of property records include:

1. Deeds and Conveyances:

   • Warranty deeds
   • Quitclaim deeds
   • Special warranty deeds
   • Acts of donation
   • Property descriptions and boundaries
   • Purchase price and terms
   • Names of grantors and grantees
   • Date of transaction
   • Notarial acknowledgments

2. Mortgage Records:

   • Mortgage agreements
   • Loan amounts and terms
   • Lender information
   • Release of mortgage documents
   • Assignments of mortgages

3. Liens and Encumbrances:

   • Tax liens
   • Mechanic's liens
   • Judgment liens
   • Child support liens
   • Lis pendens notices

4. Property Tax Records:

   • Assessment values
   • Tax payment history
   • Homestead exemptions
   • Special assessments
   • Property tax rates

5. Plats and Surveys:

   • Subdivision plats
   • Boundary surveys
   • Easements and rights-of-way
   • Flood zone designations

6. Miscellaneous Documents:

   • Servitudes and easements
   • Mineral rights documents
   • Restrictions and covenants
   • Power of attorney documents
   • Succession documents

In accordance with Louisiana Civil Code Article 3346, these records must contain specific information to be properly recorded, including precise property descriptions, proper signatures, and notarial acknowledgments.

How Long Does Caddo County Keep Property Records?

Caddo Parish maintains property records in perpetuity for most permanent land records. The retention of these vital documents is governed by the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:36), which establishes minimum retention periods for various public records.

The retention schedule for property records in Caddo Parish includes:

1. Permanent Records (retained indefinitely):

   • Deeds and conveyances
   • Mortgages and releases
   • Plats and surveys
   • Subdivision maps
   • Easements and rights-of-way
   • Original property tax rolls

2. Long-Term Records (retained for 10+ years):

   • Property tax payment records (10 years)
   • Assessment worksheets (10 years)
   • Tax sale certificates (10 years after redemption or prescription)
   • Building permits (life of structure plus 3 years)

3. Medium-Term Records (retained for 3-10 years):

   • Temporary tax exemptions (3 years after expiration)
   • Assessment appeals (3 years after final decision)
   • Tax payment receipts (5 years)

4. Short-Term Records (retained for less than 3 years):

   • Routine correspondence (3 years)
   • Research requests (1 year)
   • Temporary work files (until administrative use ceases)

The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court has implemented preservation measures for historical property records, including digitization of older documents, climate-controlled storage for original records, and microfilm backups of essential documents. These preservation efforts ensure the long-term availability of property records for future generations.

The retention of property records is mandated by state law and supervised by the Louisiana State Archives, which provides guidance on records management practices to parish officials.

How To Find Liens on Property In Caddo County?

Locating liens on property in Caddo Parish requires searching specific records maintained by various parish offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold or refinanced.

To conduct a comprehensive lien search:

1. Search Mortgage and Conveyance Records:

   • Visit the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court office
   • Request a lien search for the specific property
   • Provide the property's legal description or address
   • Examine the mortgage index for active mortgages
   • Check for releases of previously recorded mortgages

2. Check for Tax Liens:

   • Contact the Caddo Parish Tax Collector
   • Request information on delinquent property taxes
   • Verify if the property appears on the tax sale list
   • Check for state tax liens with the Louisiana Department of Revenue

3. Search for Judgment Liens:

   • Examine the judgment records at the Clerk of Court
   • Search by property owner's name
   • Review for any recorded judgments that may attach to the property

4. Investigate Mechanic's Liens:

   • Check for recorded mechanic's liens or materialman's liens
   • These liens typically expire after one year if not enforced
   • Verify if any construction work has been recently performed

5. Review Federal Tax Liens:

   • Search federal tax lien records at the Clerk of Court
   • These liens are filed against specific individuals but attach to all property

6. Check for Child Support Liens:

   • Search records for child support enforcement liens
   • These are typically recorded against individual property owners

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office - Tax Collection
501 Texas Street, Room 101
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 681-0630
Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office

Professional title companies often provide comprehensive lien search services for a fee, which may be advisable for complex properties or when complete assurance is required for real estate transactions.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Caddo County?

The property owner rule in Caddo Parish refers to the legal principles governing property ownership rights and responsibilities under Louisiana law. Unlike most states that follow common law, Louisiana operates under a civil law system derived from the Napoleonic Code, which creates distinct property ownership rules.

Key aspects of property ownership rules in Caddo Parish include:

1. Community Property Laws: Louisiana is a community property state, meaning property acquired during marriage is generally owned equally by both spouses, regardless of which spouse acquired it. This is governed by Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2334-2369.

2. Usufruct Rights: Louisiana law recognizes usufruct rights, which allow one person to use and enjoy property while another holds ownership (naked ownership). This commonly occurs in inheritance situations and is governed by Louisiana Civil Code Articles 535-629.

3. Forced Heirship: Louisiana maintains limited forced heirship laws that may restrict a property owner's ability to freely dispose of property through a will if they have children under 24 or permanently disabled children.

4. Prescription (Adverse Possession): Property ownership can be acquired through acquisitive prescription after 10 years of possession with good faith and just title, or 30 years without these requirements, as outlined in Louisiana Civil Code Articles 3473-3491.

5. Homestead Exemption: Caddo Parish property owners may claim a homestead exemption on their primary residence, which provides a reduction in property tax assessment. This exemption must be filed with the Caddo Parish Tax Assessor.

6. Adjudicated Properties: When property taxes remain unpaid, the property may be adjudicated to the parish. Caddo Parish has specific procedures for handling adjudicated properties and their potential redemption by owners.

Property owners in Caddo Parish must comply with local zoning ordinances, building codes, and property maintenance requirements established by parish and municipal authorities. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in fines, liens, or other enforcement actions.

Lookup Property Records in Caddo County

Property Tax Information for Caddo Parish

Property Tax Payment Options

Official Caddo Parish Information

Adjudicated Property Resources

Louisiana Tax Commission Property Search

Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Records