Faulkner County Public Records /Faulkner County Property Records

Faulkner County Property Records

What Is Faulkner County Property Records

Property records in Faulkner County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout Faulkner County, Arkansas. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 14-15-402, county recorders are required to maintain these records for public access and reference.

The primary purposes of Faulkner 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
Enabling land use planning and zoning enforcement

The Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains the official repository of property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real property interests. These records form the foundation of real estate ownership in the county and provide essential information for property owners, potential buyers, lenders, title companies, and government agencies.

Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's Office
801 Locust Street
Conway, AR 72034
501-450-4909
Faulkner County Circuit Clerk

Are Property Records Public Information In Faulkner County?

Property records in Faulkner County are public information and accessible to all citizens pursuant to both the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (A.C.A. § 25-19-101 et seq.) and specific property recording statutes. The Arkansas Code § 14-15-404 explicitly mandates that all instruments filed with the county recorder "shall be open to public inspection." This legal framework ensures transparency in land ownership and property transactions throughout the county.

The public nature of property records serves several important functions:

Provides constructive notice of ownership and encumbrances
Establishes priority of interests in real property
Protects purchasers and creditors from undisclosed claims
Facilitates efficient real estate markets through information access
Supports governmental functions including taxation and planning

Any member of the public may access Faulkner County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in the United States legal system.

The Faulkner County Assessor's Office also maintains public property records related to valuation and taxation. These records complement the ownership documents maintained by the Circuit Clerk and provide additional information about properties within the county.

Faulkner County Assessor's Office
806 Locust Street
Conway, AR 72034
501-450-4905
Faulkner County Assessor

How To Search Property Records in Faulkner County in 2026

Faulkner County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access official property documentation:

In-Person Searches: Individuals may visit the Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours to conduct property record searches. Staff members are available to assist with navigating the records system. Visitors should:
- Bring identification
- Know the property owner's name or property address
- Be prepared to pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Allow sufficient time for research, especially for complex searches
Online Searches: The county maintains a comprehensive online property records database that allows for remote searching. Users can search by:
- Owner name
- Property address
- Parcel number
- Legal description
- Document type and date range
Mail Requests: Written requests for property records may be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's Office. Requests should include:
- Specific information about the property (owner name, address, or parcel number)
- Document types being requested
- Return address
- Payment for applicable fees
Interactive Mapping: The county's interactive GIS map provides property information with visual reference points. This system allows users to:
- View property boundaries
- Access basic ownership information
- Identify adjacent properties
- View zoning designations and flood plain information

For complex property research, professional title searchers or attorneys may be necessary to ensure comprehensive results. The Circuit Clerk's Office does not provide legal advice regarding property records but can assist with locating documents within the public record.

How To Find Property Records in Faulkner County Online?

Faulkner County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The primary online resources for property record searches include:

Faulkner County Land Records Search Portal: This official county database allows users to search for recorded documents affecting real property. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the Faulkner County Government website
- Select "Search Land Records" from the main menu
- Create a free user account or log in as a guest
- Search by name, property address, or document type
- View document images and print or download as needed
Faulkner County Assessor's Property Search: This database focuses on property tax information but includes valuable ownership details:
- Access the Assessor's online search tool
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel number
- View assessment information, property characteristics, and tax status
- Access property record cards with detailed property information
Faulkner County GIS Interactive Map: This geographic information system provides spatial property data:
- Visit the county's interactive mapping portal
- Navigate the map to locate properties of interest
- Click on parcels to view ownership information
- Access links to related property records
- View zoning, flood plain, and other geographic data layers

When using online search tools, users should note that:

Some records may require payment to view or download
The most recent transactions may not be immediately available online
Complex property histories may require additional research
Technical assistance is available by contacting the Circuit Clerk's Office

For optimal results, users should have specific information about the property when conducting online searches, such as the owner's name, property address, or parcel identification number.

How To Look Up Faulkner County Property Records for Free?

Faulkner County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. Members of the public seeking to avoid fees when researching property information may utilize the following resources:

Public Access Terminals: The Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains computer terminals for free public use during regular business hours:
- No appointment necessary
- Self-service access to the complete property records database
- Staff assistance available for basic navigation questions
- Printing fees apply ($0.25 per page) but viewing is free
Faulkner County Library Resources: The public library system offers free access to certain property research tools:
- Computer terminals with internet access
- Assistance from reference librarians
- Access to historical property records and maps
- Connection to county databases
Limited Online Access: The county provides some free online search capabilities:
- Basic property information through the Faulkner County Assessor's website
- Limited searches on the county's interactive mapping system
- Public notices related to property (tax sales, foreclosures, etc.)
Municipal Resources: Individual municipalities within Faulkner County may offer free access to certain property records:
- Conway Planning Department provides zoning and land use records
- Mayflower Planning & Zoning offers property development information
- Other incorporated areas maintain similar resources

While basic property information is available at no cost, users should be aware that:

Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Extensive research assistance may not be available with free services
Some historical records may not be accessible through free platforms
Complex title searches typically require professional services

For the most comprehensive free access, visiting the Circuit Clerk's Office in person provides the greatest range of no-cost options for property record research.

What's Included in a Faulkner County Property Record?

Faulkner County property records encompass a diverse collection of documents that collectively establish the legal status of real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices and contain detailed information about ownership, encumbrances, and physical characteristics of properties. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 14-15-402, these records must be properly maintained and accessible to the public.

The primary components of Faulkner County property records include:

Ownership Documents:
- Warranty Deeds - Convey title with certain guarantees from the seller
- Quitclaim Deeds - Transfer whatever interest the grantor may have without warranties
- Special Warranty Deeds - Provide limited title guarantees
- Executor's Deeds - Transfer property from estates
- Trustee's Deeds - Convey property held in trust
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust - Secure loans with property as collateral
- Tax Liens - Government claims for unpaid taxes
- Mechanics' Liens - Claims by contractors for unpaid work
- Judgment Liens - Court-ordered claims against property
- Lis Pendens - Notices of pending litigation affecting property
Property Rights Documents:
- Easements - Rights to use another's property for specific purposes
- Rights-of-Way - Permissions to cross property
- Restrictive Covenants - Limitations on property use
- Mineral Rights - Ownership of subsurface resources
- Water Rights - Entitlements to use water resources
Assessment Information:
- Property Classification - Residential, commercial, agricultural, etc.
- Assessed Value - Basis for property taxation
- Improvement Details - Buildings and structures on the property
- Land Characteristics - Acreage, topography, and features
- Tax Status - Current and historical tax information
Plats and Surveys:
- Subdivision Plats - Maps of divided properties
- Boundary Surveys - Professional determinations of property lines
- Flood Zone Designations - FEMA flood risk classifications
- Zoning Classifications - Permitted property uses

Each property record typically contains specific identifying information including:

Parcel identification number
Legal description (metes and bounds or lot/block)
Street address (if assigned)
Current and previous owner information
Recording information (book/page or instrument number)
Transaction dates and consideration amounts

The Faulkner County Assessor's Office maintains records related to property valuation and taxation, while the Circuit Clerk's Office maintains the official record of property ownership and encumbrances.

How Long Does Faulkner County Keep Property Records?

Faulkner County maintains property records in perpetuity for most essential ownership documents. The retention of these records is governed by the Arkansas General Records Retention Schedule and specific county policies. Property records are considered permanent records due to their ongoing legal significance and historical value.

The retention periods for various property-related documents in Faulkner County are as follows:

Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: Permanent retention
Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
Easements and Rights-of-Way: Permanent retention
Tax Assessment Records: Minimum 7 years, with permanent retention of master assessment rolls
Property Tax Payment Records: 7 years after payment
Building Permits: 3 years after completion of construction
Zoning Decisions: Permanent retention
Property Liens: Until satisfied plus 10 years
Foreclosure Notices: 10 years after final disposition

Historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1873 are preserved through various means:

Original documents in archival storage
Microfilm backups of older records
Digital conversion of paper records
Electronic recording of new documents

The Arkansas Records Retention Act (A.C.A. § 13-4-301 et seq.) mandates that counties preserve essential records and provides guidelines for proper maintenance. Faulkner County has implemented comprehensive preservation strategies to ensure the longevity of property records, including climate-controlled storage, disaster recovery planning, and regular condition assessments.

Researchers seeking historical property records may need to utilize different search methods depending on the age of the documents. The Circuit Clerk's Office can provide guidance on accessing older records that may not be available through standard electronic search systems.

How To Find Liens on Property In Faulkner County?

Identifying liens and encumbrances on Faulkner County properties requires a systematic search of official records. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold or refinanced. To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Faulkner County, interested parties should follow these procedures:

Circuit Clerk's Records Search:
- Visit the Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's Office in person
- Request a lien search for the specific property by providing the legal description or parcel number
- Examine the grantor-grantee index for the current and previous property owners
- Review judgment dockets for potential judgment liens
- Check for lis pendens notices indicating pending litigation
Online Lien Search Options:
- Access the Faulkner County land records database
- Search by property owner name and property address
- Review document types categorized as liens, judgments, or encumbrances
- Note that some older liens may not be fully indexed in the online system
Tax Lien Verification:
- Contact the Faulkner County Tax Collector's Office
- Request verification of current tax status and any outstanding tax liens
- Check for special assessment liens from municipalities or improvement districts
- Verify property tax payment history
Additional Lien Sources:
- Search federal tax liens at the Circuit Clerk's Office
- Check for mechanics' liens filed by contractors or material suppliers
- Verify with municipalities for outstanding utility liens or code enforcement liens
- Contact homeowners associations for potential HOA assessment liens
Professional Lien Search Services:
- Title companies offer comprehensive lien search services
- Abstract companies can prepare complete property reports
- Attorneys specializing in real estate can conduct legal reviews of potential encumbrances

Common types of liens found in Faulkner County property records include:

Mortgage liens securing property loans
Tax liens for unpaid property, income, or business taxes
Judgment liens resulting from court decisions
Mechanics' liens for unpaid construction work
Child support or alimony liens
Homeowners association assessment liens
Municipal utility liens

For the most accurate and current information, a search should be conducted as close as possible to any transaction date, as new liens can be recorded at any time. The Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's Office can provide guidance on the most effective search strategies for specific properties.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Faulkner County?

Faulkner County adheres to Arkansas state law regarding property ownership regulations, commonly referred to as the "Property Owner Rule." These regulations establish the legal framework for property rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the county. The Property Owner Rule encompasses several key principles that govern real estate ownership in Faulkner County.

The fundamental aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:

Recording Requirements: Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 14-15-404, all property transfers must be properly recorded with the Circuit Clerk to establish legal ownership and provide constructive notice to third parties.
Homestead Exemption: Arkansas Constitution Amendment 79 provides property tax relief through a homestead credit of up to $600 on an owner's principal residence. Faulkner County property owners must apply for this exemption through the County Assessor's Office.
Adverse Possession: Under Arkansas law (A.C.A. § 18-11-106), a person may claim ownership of property after possessing it openly, notoriously, and continuously for at least 7 years under color of title or 15 years without color of title.
Property Tax Obligations: Property owners in Faulkner County are legally required to:
- Assess property between January 1 and May 31 annually
- Pay property taxes by October 15 each year
- Notify the Assessor of address changes
- Report significant property improvements
Zoning Compliance: Property owners must adhere to established zoning regulations, which vary by location within the county:
- Conway Planning and Development regulations apply within city limits
- Mayflower Planning & Zoning rules govern that municipality
- County zoning applies to unincorporated areas
Riparian Rights: Owners of property adjacent to waterways have certain water rights under Arkansas law, but these rights are subject to reasonable use doctrine and state regulation.
Mineral Rights: In Faulkner County, mineral rights can be severed from surface rights, creating separate ownership interests that must be properly documented in property records.
Easements and Encroachments: Property owners must respect legally established easements crossing their property and avoid encroaching on neighboring properties.

The Property Owner Rule also encompasses specific regulations regarding property transfers, including requirements for valid deeds, proper legal descriptions, and adequate consideration. The Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains all official records related to property ownership and can provide guidance on compliance with these regulations.