Roscommon County Public Records /Roscommon County Property Records

Roscommon County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Roscommon County in 2026

RoscommonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Roscommon County, Michigan. Members of the public may use this resource to locate data associated with ownership history, assessed values, recorded instruments, tax status, and related property documents. Available record categories may include:

Deeds and conveyance documents
Mortgage and lien records
Property tax assessments and payment history
Parcel identification and legal descriptions
Transfer and sales history
GIS and mapping data

Records can be searched through official Roscommon County resources, including the County Register of Deeds, the Equalization Department, and individual township assessor offices. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking property information.

Multiple Access Methods:

Method	Best For	Cost
Online search	Quick lookups, ownership, tax data	Free
In-person visit	Certified copies, historical records	Fees may apply
By mail	Written copy requests	Fees apply
Through professionals	Title searches, legal opinions	Varies

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Roscommon County Equalization Department serves as the primary resource for property assessment information. Members of the public may access parcel data, assessed values, and ownership records through the county's online portal.

Search Options:

By property address
By owner name
By parcel ID number
By subdivision name
By GIS map location

Information Available:

Current owner name and mailing address
Legal description and parcel number
Land use and zoning classification
Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
Assessed value (land and improvements)
Taxable value and exemptions applied
Sales history
GIS map location

How to Search:

Visit the Roscommon County GIS and mapping portal
Select the desired search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
Enter search criteria in the appropriate field
Review the results list returned
Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
Access sales history, maps, and assessment data
Print or save the information as needed

2. County Register of Deeds — Official Records Search

The Roscommon County Register of Deeds maintains all recorded instruments affecting real property. Members of the public may search recorded documents at no charge for basic index searches.

Searchable By:

Grantor name (seller)
Grantee name (buyer)
Document type
Recording date range
Book and page number
Instrument number

Documents Available:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Easements and declarations of restrictions
Plats and surveys
Powers of attorney affecting property
Lis pendens notices

How to Search:

Visit the Roscommon County Register of Deeds
Select the search type (grantor/grantee, document type, or date range)
Enter the relevant search criteria
Review the index results
Click to view document images where available online
Note the instrument number or book and page for reference
Request certified copies if official documents are required

Register of Deeds Office:

Roscommon County Register of Deeds
500 Lake Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone: (989) 275-5931
Roscommon County Register of Deeds

3. Tax Collector / County Treasurer Website

The Roscommon County Treasurer's office maintains property tax records, including current bills, payment history, and delinquency information.

Search By:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel number
Tax account number

Information Available:

Current tax bill amount
Payment history
Outstanding balances
Exemptions applied
Millage rates
Delinquent tax status
Payment options

Roscommon County Treasurer:

Roscommon County Treasurer
500 Lake Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone: (989) 275-5931
Roscommon County Treasurer

4. GIS / Mapping System

Roscommon County maintains an interactive GIS mapping system that allows members of the public to conduct visual property searches, view parcel boundaries, and access linked assessment records.

How to Use:

Navigate the interactive map to the desired location
Click on a parcel to view property information
Access linked assessment and ownership records
View aerial photography and property boundaries
Examine zoning layers and flood zone designations

In-Person Searches:

Roscommon County Equalization Department
500 Lake Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone: (989) 275-5931
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Roscommon County Equalization

Roscommon County Register of Deeds
500 Lake Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone: (989) 275-5931
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Register of Deeds

By Mail Requests:

Written requests for recorded documents may be submitted to the Register of Deeds by mail. Requestors should specify the instrument number, book and page, or property address and approximate recording date. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.

Through Professionals:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and provide abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys may be retained for legal title opinions, complex ownership disputes, or resolution of title defects. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties and comparable sales information as part of their representation services.

Search Tips:

When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations
For historical records not available online, contact the Register of Deeds directly for in-person or mail access
Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing time

What Is Roscommon County Property Records

Property records in Roscommon County are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government offices pursuant to Michigan law. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing property ownership, documenting transfers, recording encumbrances, and assessing property taxes. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201, instruments conveying or encumbering real property must be recorded with the county Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Chain of title and ownership history
Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Transfer records and conveyance instruments

Encumbrance Records:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
Easements and restrictions
Homeowner association documents
Lis pendens notices

Tax and Assessment Records:

Property tax assessments and tax bills
Payment history and delinquency records
Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
Special assessments and millage rates

Legal Descriptions:

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
Lot and block information
Condominium declarations

Building and Permit Records:

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Code violations and zoning information
Land use designations

Who Maintains Property Records:

The Roscommon County Register of Deeds records and indexes all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The Roscommon County Equalization Department maintains property valuation and assessment records. The Roscommon County Treasurer maintains tax billing and payment records. Individual township assessors — including the Roscommon Township Assessor, which conducts the assessment of properties for the purpose of property taxes in Roscommon Township annually in accordance with the Michigan General Property Tax Laws — maintain local assessment data. The Denton Township Assessor similarly maintains assessment records for properties within Denton Township, with field staff periodically visiting properties to verify record accuracy.

As stated on the Roscommon Township website, the assessor's office is responsible for "assessment of properties for the purpose of property taxes in Roscommon Township... property annually in accordance with the Michigan General Property Tax Laws."

Are Property Records Public Information in Roscommon County?

Property records in Roscommon County are public information. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., public bodies are required to disclose public records upon request. Property records recorded with the Register of Deeds are additionally subject to the public inspection requirements of Michigan's recording statutes, which have established the principle of open land records as a cornerstone of the American property system.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231
Michigan recording statutes, MCL § 565.201 et seq.
Common law tradition of public land records
Constitutional protections for property rights

Why Property Records Are Public:

Transparency in property ownership serves multiple public interests. Public access enables real estate transactions, supports title insurance and lending, facilitates property valuation and appraisal, and allows for accountability in property taxation. The recording system provides constructive notice — meaning that any person who records a deed, mortgage, or lien puts the world on legal notice of that interest, and any subsequent purchaser is presumed to have knowledge of all recorded instruments.

What Property Information Is Public:

Current and historical property ownership
Legal descriptions and parcel identification
Sale prices and transfer amounts
Recorded mortgage amounts
Liens and encumbrances
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
Deeds and all recorded instruments
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under Michigan law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information and are subject to separate disclosure policies administered by the township assessor.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any member of the public may access property records in Roscommon County. There is no residency requirement, ownership requirement, or stated business purpose required. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Roscommon County?

The Roscommon County Register of Deeds charges fees for copies of recorded documents in accordance with MCL § 600.2567, which governs fees for copies of public records maintained by county offices. Current standard fees are as follows:

Service	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy	$5.00 per document + $1.00 per page
Recording a document (first page)	$30.00
Recording a document (each additional page)	$3.00 per page
Online record viewing	Free (index search)
Document image download	Free or nominal fee (varies)

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Check (payable to Roscommon County Register of Deeds)
Money order
Credit or debit card (availability may vary; confirm with office)

Free Access:

Online index searches through the county portal are available at no charge
Viewing property assessment data through the Equalization Department is free
Tax information through the County Treasurer's online portal is free
In-person inspection of records at the Register of Deeds office is free; fees apply only to copies

Fee Waivers: Michigan law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Governmental agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may request fee reductions in specific circumstances; members of the public should inquire directly with the Register of Deeds office.

What's Included in a Roscommon County Property Record?

A complete Roscommon County property record draws from multiple county offices and may include the following categories of information.

Ownership Information:

Current owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
Acquisition date and deed instrument number
Mailing address for tax billing purposes
Chain of title with previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references

Property Identification:

Site address and mailing address
Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range, or metes and bounds)
Parcel ID number and tax account number

Physical Characteristics:

Lot size (square feet or acres), dimensions, and frontage
Total living area (square feet), year built, number of stories
Building type and construction type
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Garage, pool, porch, fireplace, and other additional features
Water source and sewer system type
Condition and quality ratings

Valuation Information:

Land value and building value (assessed)
Total assessed value and state equalized value (SEV)
Taxable value (capped under Michigan's Proposal A)
Historical assessed values for prior years

Tax Information:

Current year tax amount and taxable value
Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, township, special districts)
Exemptions applied (principal residence exemption, senior, veteran, disability)
Tax payment history and delinquency status

Sales History:

Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent transfers
Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
Qualified or unqualified sale designation
Documentary transfer tax amounts

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages (lender name, original amount, recording date)
Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Zoning classification and permitted uses
Land use designation and future land use
School district, fire district, and special taxing districts
Flood zone designation (FEMA)
Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants

Maps and Images:

Property photograph (exterior)
Aerial photograph and GIS map with parcel boundaries
Plat map and property sketch

What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:

Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
Social Security numbers (redacted)
Interior photographs
Private purchase contract terms beyond recorded sale price
Unrecorded private agreements

How Long Does Roscommon County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Roscommon County are maintained permanently. The Register of Deeds retains all recorded instruments affecting title to real property indefinitely, as these records form the unbroken chain of title essential to establishing clear ownership. Michigan's records retention requirements, administered under the authority of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, mandate permanent retention of recorded instruments.

Records Kept Permanently:

All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
All recorded liens and lien releases
All plats, subdivision plats, and condominium declarations
Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
Powers of attorney affecting property
Court documents affecting title

Format and Storage:

Historical records in Roscommon County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very old records are maintained in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records may be available on microfilm. More recent records are maintained as digital scanned images in electronic document management systems, with backup systems in place for preservation.

Access to Historical Records:

Records from approximately the last two to three decades are accessible online through the county's portal. Older records may require an in-person visit to the Register of Deeds office, where staff can retrieve documents from microfilm or bound record books. Members of the public seeking very old records should contact the office in advance to allow for retrieval time.

Property Appraiser / Equalization Records:

Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained permanently by the Roscommon County Equalization Department. Recent years of assessment history are available online; historical assessments are accessible at the office. Exemption applications are retained for a period consistent with the state records retention schedule, which varies by document type.

Tax Records:

The Roscommon County Treasurer retains tax payment records for a minimum of seven years. Tax deed records are maintained permanently by the Register of Deeds. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution.

Chain of Title:

The chain of title for any parcel in Roscommon County can be traced from the present back to the original land grant or patent. Title searches conducted for real estate transactions typically review a minimum of 40 years of ownership history, consistent with Michigan's Marketable Record Title Act, MCL § 565.101 et seq., which limits certain claims against title to interests recorded within the statutory period.

Contact for Historical Records:

Roscommon County Register of Deeds
500 Lake Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone: (989) 275-5931
Roscommon County Register of Deeds

Roscommon County Equalization Department
500 Lake Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone: (989) 275-5931
Roscommon County Equalization

How To Find Liens on Property in Roscommon County?

Liens on property in Roscommon County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Register of Deeds index. Members of the public may identify recorded liens by searching the grantor/grantee index by the property owner's name or by the parcel's legal description. The following lien types are recorded and publicly accessible:

Federal tax liens: Filed by the Internal Revenue Service and recorded with the Register of Deeds. Members of the public may search the IRS lien index through the Register of Deeds office or online portal.
State tax liens: Filed by the Michigan Department of Treasury for unpaid state taxes.
Judgment liens: Arising from court judgments and recorded with the Register of Deeds to attach to real property owned by the judgment debtor.
Mechanic's liens: Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work pursuant to the Michigan Construction Lien Act, MCL § 570.1101 et seq.
Property tax liens: Delinquent property taxes constitute a statutory lien on the property under Michigan law and are tracked by the Roscommon County Treasurer.
HOA liens: Homeowner association liens for unpaid assessments, recorded with the Register of Deeds.

Steps to Search for Liens:

Visit the Roscommon County Register of Deeds online portal or in person
Search the grantor index using the current property owner's full legal name
Filter results by document type (lien, judgment, tax lien) and date range
Review all results for instruments that have not been released or satisfied
For each lien found, note the instrument number, recording date, amount, and lienholder
Search for corresponding releases or satisfactions to determine whether the lien remains active
For delinquent property tax liens, contact the Roscommon County Treasurer directly

For federal tax liens, members of the public may also search the IRS online lien search tool or contact the Register of Deeds for the federal lien index maintained at the county level.

Roscommon County Treasurer
500 Lake Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone: (989) 275-5931
Roscommon County Treasurer

A professional title search conducted by a licensed title company or real estate attorney provides the most comprehensive lien identification, as it includes a systematic review of all recorded instruments in the chain of title and cross-references multiple indexes.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Roscommon County?

The property owner rule in Roscommon County is governed by Michigan state law, which establishes the rights, responsibilities, and limitations applicable to owners of real property. Under Michigan law, a property owner is the individual or entity holding legal title to real property as evidenced by a recorded deed in the Roscommon County Register of Deeds.

Ownership Rights Under Michigan Law:

Michigan recognizes several forms of property ownership, each carrying distinct legal implications:

Sole ownership: A single individual holds full legal title
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more owners hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) automatically acquire the deceased owner's interest
Tenancy in common: Two or more owners hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
Tenancy by the entirety: Available only to married couples in Michigan; provides protection from individual creditors of either spouse
Trust ownership: Title held by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries
Entity ownership: Title held by an LLC, corporation, or partnership

Assessment and Taxation Obligations:

Under the Michigan General Property Tax Act, MCL § 211.1 et seq., all real property in Michigan is subject to annual assessment and taxation. Property owners in Roscommon County are assessed by the township assessor in the jurisdiction where the property is located. As noted by the Roscommon Township Assessor, the office is responsible for "assessment of properties for the purpose of property taxes in Roscommon Township... property annually in accordance with the Michigan General Property Tax Laws."

The Roscommon Township Treasurer issues real and personal property tax bills to property and business owners based on information provided by the Township Assessor. Property owners are responsible for timely payment of all assessed taxes to avoid the accrual of interest, penalties, and ultimately the forfeiture of the property through the delinquent tax process.

Principal Residence Exemption:

Michigan property owners who occupy their property as their principal residence are entitled to claim the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE), which exempts the property from the local school operating millage. The exemption must be filed with the township assessor by June 1 for the summer tax levy or November 1 for the winter tax levy.

Proposal A Protections:

Under Michigan's Proposal A (1994), the taxable value of a property is capped and may not increase by more than 5% or the rate of inflation (whichever is less) in any given year, regardless of increases in assessed value. Upon transfer of ownership, the taxable value uncaps and resets to the state equalized value (SEV) for the following tax year.

Property Owner Rights in Assessment Appeals:

Property owners in Roscommon County have the right to appeal their property assessment. The appeal process proceeds as follows:

Informal review with the township assessor prior to the Board of Review
Petition to the township Board of Review in March of each year
Appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal for disputes not resolved at the Board of Review level
Further appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals on questions of law

Lyon Township also serves property owners within Roscommon County. The Lyon Township official website provides public service information and encourages property owners to submit questions or concerns to the Township Supervisor.

Zoning and Land Use Regulations:

Property owners in Roscommon County are subject to applicable township and county zoning ordinances, which regulate permitted land uses, setback requirements, building heights, and subdivision standards. Members of the public should contact the relevant township office to confirm current zoning classifications and permitted uses for a specific parcel.