Kankakee County Property Records
What Is Kankakee County Property Records
Property records in Kankakee 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 property ownership and interests throughout the jurisdiction. Pursuant to 765 ILCS 5/, the Illinois Conveyances Act, all instruments affecting real estate in Illinois must be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public.
Property records maintained by Kankakee County fulfill several essential functions:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitate real estate transactions
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Enable mortgage lending and title insurance
The Kankakee County Recorder's Office serves as the primary custodian of property records for the county. This office is responsible for recording, indexing, and preserving documents that affect real property ownership and interests. The recording system provides an unbroken chain of title for each parcel of land within the county, dating back to the original government land patents.
Property records are created and maintained according to standards established by Illinois state law, which requires specific formatting, content, and procedures for recording instruments affecting real property. The county's recording system ensures these documents are properly preserved and accessible to the public.
Are Property Records Public Information In Kankakee County?
Property records in Kankakee County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) establishes the public's right to access government records, while the Illinois Conveyances Act specifically addresses the public nature of property records.
The public status of property records is founded on several key principles:
- 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 access facilitates real estate transactions and property development
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 applies to all recorded documents, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting real property.
The Kankakee County Recorder's Office maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person services and online access options. While the records themselves are public, certain personal information contained within them, such as Social Security numbers, may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws.
Kankakee County Recorder's Office
189 E. Court Street, Room 205
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 937-2985
Kankakee County Recorder
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays
How To Search Property Records in Kankakee County in 2026
Kankakee County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
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Online Search Portal
- Visit the Kankakee County property records portal
- Enter search criteria such as property owner name, property address, or parcel identification number (PIN)
- Review search results and select the property of interest
- Access available property record information and documents
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In-Person Research
- Visit the Kankakee County Recorder's Office during regular business hours
- Request assistance from staff to access the public computer terminals
- Provide search criteria to locate specific property records
- Review documents on-site and request copies as needed
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Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Recorder's Office specifying the records sought
- Include property identification information (address, PIN, legal description)
- Provide contact information for response
- Include payment for applicable fees
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Professional Title Search
- Engage a title company or attorney specializing in real estate
- Provide property information for professional search services
- Receive comprehensive title report documenting property history
The county currently charges nominal fees for copies of property records, with standard fees for regular copies and certified copies. Payment methods include cash, check, and credit card for in-person requests, while online searches may require credit card payment for document retrieval.
How To Find Property Records in Kankakee County Online?
Kankakee County provides comprehensive online access to property records through its digital portal system. The online search capabilities allow users to locate and view property information remotely. To conduct an online search for property records:
- Navigate to the Kankakee County Property Tax Inquiry website
- Select the appropriate search method:
- Parcel Number (PIN) Search - most direct method if PIN is known
- Owner Name Search - enter last name as it appears on tax records
- Property Address Search - enter street number and name
- Mobile Home Search - for manufactured housing records
- Enter the required search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the search results list for matching properties
- Select the specific property to view detailed information
- Access available documents and property data
The online system provides access to various property-related information:
- Current ownership information
- Property tax assessment data
- Tax payment history
- Property characteristics
- Legal description
- Recorded documents (may require additional fees)
For more specialized searches or historical records, users may need to utilize the Supervisor of Assessments Office resources. This office maintains detailed property assessment records and can provide additional property information beyond basic ownership data.
Users should note that while basic property information is freely accessible online, obtaining copies of recorded documents may incur standard fees. The system may also require registration for certain advanced features or document retrieval services.
How To Look Up Kankakee County Property Records for Free?
Kankakee County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property record information. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain property data without incurring fees:
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Public Access Terminals
- Visit the Kankakee County Recorder's Office or Assessor's Office
- Use the public computer terminals available for self-service searching
- Access basic property information at no charge
- Note that printing or obtaining certified copies will incur standard fees
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Basic Online Search
- Access the Kankakee County official website
- Navigate to the property search function
- Conduct basic searches using owner name, address, or PIN
- View summary property information at no cost
- Document downloads may incur fees
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Tax Information Portal
- Visit the Kankakee County Clerk's tax information page
- Search for property tax records using PIN or owner name
- Access assessment information and tax history
- Review basic property characteristics
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GIS Mapping System
- Access the county's geographic information system
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and location
- Identify adjacent properties and ownership
- Access zoning and land use information
While basic property information is available at no cost, users should be aware of the following limitations:
- Comprehensive title searches may require professional assistance
- Historical records may not be fully available through free resources
- Certified copies and official documents require payment of statutory fees
- Complex property research may necessitate professional services
Kankakee County Clerk's Office
189 East Court St.
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 937-2990
Kankakee County Clerk
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
What's Included in a Kankakee County Property Record?
Kankakee 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, each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation. Pursuant to 55 ILCS 5/3-5010, county recorders must maintain accurate records of all instruments presented for recording.
Property records typically include the following components:
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Ownership Documents
- Warranty Deeds - transfer full ownership with title guarantees
- Quitclaim Deeds - transfer ownership without warranties
- Trustee Deeds - transfer property held in trust
- Executor's Deeds - transfer property from estates
- Tax Deeds - transfer property sold for tax delinquency
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Financial Encumbrances
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust
- Assignments of Mortgage
- Releases and Satisfactions
- Mechanics Liens
- Tax Liens (federal, state, local)
- Judgment Liens
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Property Rights and Restrictions
- Easements and Rights-of-Way
- Restrictive Covenants
- Homeowners Association Documents
- Conservation Easements
- Mineral Rights Reservations
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Assessment and Taxation Information
- Property Classification
- Assessed Value
- Tax Rate Information
- Payment History
- Exemptions Applied
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Property Characteristics
- Legal Description
- Lot Size and Dimensions
- Building Information (size, age, features)
- Improvement Details
- Zoning Classification
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Plats and Surveys
- Subdivision Plats
- Boundary Surveys
- ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
- Condominium Declarations and Plats
These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable items not attached to land), with the county's recording system focused primarily on real property interests.
How Long Does Kankakee County Keep Property Records?
Kankakee County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/). This statute governs the preservation and disposition of local government records throughout Illinois, including property-related documents.
The retention periods for various property records in Kankakee County are as follows:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Releases: Permanent retention
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Tax Assessment Records: Minimum 7 years, with permanent retention of master files
- Tax Sale Certificates: 10 years after redemption or issuance of tax deed
- Building Permits: 7 years after issuance, with permanent retention for significant structures
- Zoning Decisions: Permanent retention
- Property Tax Payment Records: 7 years after payment
- Special Assessment Records: 7 years after final payment
The Kankakee County Recorder's Office maintains the permanent archive of property ownership records, with the earliest records dating back to the county's formation in 1853. These historical records provide an unbroken chain of title for all real property within the county.
Digital preservation initiatives have enhanced the county's ability to maintain these records indefinitely. The county has implemented scanning and digital archiving programs to convert historical paper records to electronic format, ensuring their preservation and accessibility for future generations.
While most property records are retained permanently, certain supplementary documents may be subject to disposal after their required retention period expires. The county follows formal disposition procedures approved by the Illinois State Archives Local Records Commission before destroying any government records.
How To Find Liens on Property In Kankakee County?
Liens on property in Kankakee County are recorded as public documents and can be researched through established channels. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. To locate liens on specific properties:
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Recorder's Office Search
- Visit or contact the Kankakee County Recorder's Office
- Provide the property's legal description or PIN
- Request a search of recorded liens against the property
- Review results for various lien types (tax, judgment, mechanics)
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Online Records Search
- Access the county's property records search portal
- Enter the property information (address, PIN, owner name)
- Review document index for recorded liens
- Access available lien documents (fees may apply)
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Tax Records Review
- Check with the Kankakee County Treasurer's Office for property tax liens
- Verify current tax status and any delinquencies
- Identify special assessments or other tax-related encumbrances
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Court Records Search
- Search Kankakee County Circuit Court records for judgment liens
- Review federal court records for federal tax liens or judgments
- Check for bankruptcy filings that may affect the property
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Professional Title Search
- Engage a title company to conduct a comprehensive lien search
- Receive a detailed report of all recorded encumbrances
- Obtain professional analysis of lien priority and validity
Common types of liens found in Kankakee County property records include:
- Property Tax Liens
- Mortgage Liens
- Mechanics Liens
- Judgment Liens
- Federal Tax Liens
- State Tax Liens
- Homeowners Association Liens
- Municipal Code Violation Liens
Kankakee County Treasurer's Office
189 E. Court Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 937-2935
Kankakee County Treasurer
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
What Is Property Owner Rule In Kankakee County?
The property owner rules in Kankakee County establish the legal framework governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the jurisdiction. These regulations derive from Illinois state law, county ordinances, and local municipal codes. Property ownership in Kankakee County is subject to the following key provisions:
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Recording Requirements
- All instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the County Recorder
- Documents must meet formatting standards specified in 765 ILCS 5/35c
- Recording establishes priority of interests and provides constructive notice
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but ineffective against subsequent purchasers
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Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners must pay annual real estate taxes
- Tax bills are issued based on assessed value and applicable tax rates
- Failure to pay taxes may result in tax sale proceedings
- Certain exemptions are available for qualifying owners (homestead, senior, disabled)
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Land Use Regulations
- Property use must comply with applicable zoning ordinances
- Building permits required for new construction and significant renovations
- Subdivision of property must follow county platting requirements
- Special use permits required for certain property uses
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Ownership Forms
- Fee simple ownership (most common form of absolute ownership)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Tenancy by the entirety (for married couples)
- Land trust ownership
- Corporate or LLC ownership
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Transfer Requirements
- Property transfers require properly executed deeds
- State and county transfer tax declarations must be filed
- Real estate transfer tax stamps must be purchased
- Disclosure statements required for residential property
Property owners in Kankakee County should be aware that their rights are subject to various limitations, including government powers of taxation, eminent domain, police power, and escheat. Additionally, private restrictions such as easements, covenants, and equitable servitudes may affect property use.
The county's property ownership system operates under the "race-notice" recording statute, which protects subsequent purchasers who record their interests without notice of prior unrecorded claims. This system incentivizes prompt recording of all property interests to establish legal priority.
Lookup Property Records in Kankakee County
Kankakee County Property Tax Inquiry
Kankakee County Official Website
Kankakee County Clerk Tax Information