Cascade County Public Records /Cascade County Property Records

Cascade County Property Records

What Is Cascade County Property Records

Property records in Cascade 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 county. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish clear chains of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 7-4-2613, the Cascade County Clerk and Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining these vital property records. This statutory requirement ensures that all property transactions are properly documented and accessible to the public.

Property records in Cascade County typically include:

Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
Mortgages and trust indentures
Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
Easements and rights-of-way
Plats and surveys
Property tax information
Covenants and restrictions

The Cascade County Clerk and Recorder's Office maintains these records and makes them available to the public through both in-person and online access options. The recording of these documents provides constructive notice to the public regarding property ownership and encumbrances, which is essential for protecting property rights and facilitating real estate transactions.

Cascade County Clerk and Recorder's Office
121 4th Street North, Suite 1B-1
Great Falls, MT 59401
(406) 454-6801
Cascade County Clerk and Recorder's Office

Are Property Records Public Information In Cascade County?

Property records in Cascade County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Montana law. The legal basis for this public access is established in the Montana Constitution, Article II, Section 9, which guarantees the public's right to examine documents of public agencies. Additionally, the Montana Public Records Act § 2-6-1003 specifically mandates that government records, including property records, must be accessible to the public.

The public nature of property records serves several important functions:

Establishes transparency in land ownership
Provides notice of property interests to potential buyers and creditors
Protects property rights by creating an official record of ownership
Facilitates real estate transactions by providing reliable ownership information
Supports property tax assessment and collection

Any member of the public may access property records in Cascade County 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 Montana Department of Administration has further clarified through administrative rules that county recorders must maintain property records in a manner that facilitates public access while preserving the integrity and security of the original documents. Currently, Cascade County provides both in-person and online options for accessing these public records.

How To Search Property Records in Cascade County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search property records in Cascade County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains comprehensive systems for both in-person and remote searches of property records.

For in-person searches, individuals may visit:

Cascade County Clerk and Recorder's Office
121 4th Street North, Suite 1B-1
Great Falls, MT 59401
(406) 454-6801
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Cascade County Clerk and Recorder's Office

The process for conducting an in-person search includes:

Completing a public records request form at the service counter
Providing specific property information (address, owner name, or parcel number)
Paying applicable search fees ($2.00 per name search, $0.50 per page for copies)
Waiting while staff retrieves the requested records
Reviewing documents on-site or requesting certified copies

For those unable to visit in person, Cascade County offers several remote search options:

Online searches through the Cascade County Land Records portal
Email requests to the Clerk and Recorder's Office at clerkrecorder@cascadecountymt.gov
Written requests mailed to the office address listed above
Phone requests for limited information at (406) 454-6801

When submitting remote requests, individuals should include:

Specific property information (address, owner name, parcel number)
Time period for the search
Types of documents requested
Contact information for response
Payment method for applicable fees

The county typically processes remote requests within 3-5 business days, depending on current workload and the complexity of the search requested.

How To Find Property Records in Cascade County Online?

Cascade County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources allow members of the public to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices in person.

The primary online resource for property records is the Cascade County Land Records portal. This system provides access to:

Property ownership information
Recorded documents (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Property tax records
Plats and surveys
Historical property transactions

To conduct an online search:

Navigate to the Cascade County Land Records portal
Select the appropriate search method:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
- Document number
- Book and page reference
Enter the search criteria in the provided fields
Review the search results list
Select specific documents to view detailed information
Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply)

For property tax information, users should access the Cascade County Treasurer's Office website, which provides:

Current tax assessments
Payment history
Tax delinquency status
Payment options

Additionally, the Montana Department of Revenue Property Record Card system offers detailed property characteristics, valuation information, and assessment data for properties throughout Cascade County.

Users should note that while basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for downloading or printing certain documents. The online system accepts major credit cards for payment of these fees.

How To Look Up Cascade County Property Records for Free?

Cascade County residents and other interested parties have several options to access property records at no cost. These free resources provide basic property information, though some limitations may apply to the depth and scope of available data.

Free in-person access is available at:

Visitors may use the public access terminals at this location to search property records at no charge. While viewing records on these terminals is free, printing or obtaining certified copies will incur standard fees.

Free online resources include:

Cascade County Property Information Portal - Provides basic ownership information, property characteristics, and tax assessment data.
Montana Cadastral Mapping Application - Offers free access to property boundaries, ownership information, and basic property details for all Montana counties, including Cascade.
Montana Department of Revenue Property Record Cards - Contains detailed property characteristics used for tax assessment purposes.

When using these free resources, users should be aware of certain limitations:

Historical records may not be available through free platforms
Document images may require payment to view or download
Some detailed information may be restricted to authorized users
Free systems may not be updated as frequently as subscription services

For comprehensive property research, particularly for legal or commercial purposes, users may need to utilize the paid services or visit the county offices in person to access complete records.

What's Included in a Cascade County Property Record?

Property records maintained by Cascade County contain comprehensive information about real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained across multiple county departments, with the Clerk and Recorder's Office serving as the primary repository for ownership documents.

According to Montana Code Annotated § 7-4-2617, property records must include specific elements to be legally valid. A typical Cascade County property record includes:

Ownership Information:

Current property owner(s) name and contact information
Previous owners (chain of title)
Date of acquisition
Type of ownership (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust)
Deed information (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)

Property Identification:

Legal description (metes and bounds, lot/block/subdivision)
Parcel identification number
Property address
Township, range, and section information
Plat references

Physical Characteristics:

Lot size and dimensions
Building size and specifications
Year built
Construction type
Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
Improvements and additions
Zoning classification

Financial Information:

Purchase price (from transfer declarations)
Current assessed value
Market value
Property tax information
Special assessments
Tax exemptions

Encumbrances:

Mortgages and trust indentures
Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
Easements and rights-of-way
Covenants and restrictions
Pending legal actions

Additional Documents:

Plats and surveys
Building permits
Certificates of occupancy
Environmental assessments
Flood zone determinations

It's important to note that Cascade County distinguishes between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable items) in its record-keeping systems. While real property records are maintained by the Clerk and Recorder's Office, personal property records are typically handled by the Treasurer's Office and Department of Revenue.

How Long Does Cascade County Keep Property Records?

Cascade County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Montana Secretary of State's Office under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1103. These schedules ensure the preservation of vital records while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete materials.

Property records in Cascade County are subject to the following retention periods:

Permanent Retention:

Deeds and conveyances
Mortgages and satisfactions
Easements and rights-of-way
Plats and surveys
Subdivision documents
Condominium declarations
Covenants and restrictions
Military discharge records affecting property

Long-Term Retention (25+ years):

Tax assessment rolls
Special assessment records
Annexation records
Zoning changes
Building permits for significant structures

Medium-Term Retention (7-15 years):

Property tax payment records
Routine building permits
Temporary easements
Leases and rental agreements
Routine correspondence regarding property

Short-Term Retention (1-6 years):

Routine information requests
Temporary permits
Working files and notes
Duplicate copies of records

The Montana Local Government Records Committee reviews and updates these retention schedules periodically to ensure they meet current legal requirements and administrative needs. Cascade County implements these schedules through its records management program, which includes both physical and electronic storage systems.

For historical property records, Cascade County has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve older documents that may be deteriorating due to age. Many historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1887 have been digitized and remain accessible through the county's records management system.

Researchers seeking historical property records should note that while most significant property documents are retained permanently, supporting documentation may have been disposed of according to applicable retention schedules.

How To Find Liens on Property In Cascade County?

Liens on property in Cascade County are public records that indicate claims against a property due to unpaid debts or obligations. These encumbrances remain attached to the property until satisfied, potentially affecting ownership rights and transferability.

To search for liens on Cascade County properties, individuals may utilize several methods:

In-Person Search:

The in-person search process involves:

Completing a records request form
Providing the property's legal description or parcel number
Requesting a lien search from the clerk
Reviewing the results with assistance from staff
Obtaining copies of relevant documents (fees apply)

Online Search:

Access the Cascade County Land Records portal
Enter the property information (address, owner name, or parcel number)
Select "Lien" as the document type in the search filters
Review the search results for recorded liens
Access specific lien documents as needed (fees may apply)

Types of liens that may be found include:

Tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
Mechanic's liens (unpaid construction or improvement costs)
Judgment liens (court-ordered monetary judgments)
Federal tax liens (IRS claims)
Child support liens
Homeowners association liens
Utility liens

For tax liens specifically, the Cascade County Treasurer's Office maintains records of property tax delinquencies and can provide information about tax liens:

Cascade County Treasurer's Office
121 4th Street North, Suite 1C-1
Great Falls, MT 59401
(406) 454-6860
Cascade County Treasurer's Office

For judgment liens, additional searches may be necessary at:

Cascade County District Court
415 2nd Avenue North
Great Falls, MT 59401
(406) 454-6896
Cascade County District Court

When conducting lien searches, it's advisable to search under all variations of the property owner's name and to check multiple county offices, as different types of liens may be recorded in different locations.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Cascade County?

The Property Owner Rule in Cascade County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county. These rules are derived from Montana state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.

Under Montana Code Annotated § 70-1-101, property ownership in Cascade County is defined as "the right of one or more persons to possess and use a thing to the exclusion of others." This fundamental principle establishes the legal basis for property rights throughout the county.

Key elements of the Property Owner Rule in Cascade County include:

Recording Requirements:

All property transfers must be recorded with the Cascade County Clerk and Recorder
Unrecorded deeds may be valid between parties but lack protection against third-party claims
Recording establishes constructive notice to the public of ownership interests
Documents must meet specific formatting requirements to be accepted for recording

Ownership Types:

Fee simple (complete ownership)
Joint tenancy (with right of survivorship)
Tenancy in common (divisible interests)
Life estates
Trust ownership
Corporate or LLC ownership

Property Tax Responsibilities:

Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
Tax bills are sent to the owner of record as of January 1
Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse payment obligation
Delinquent taxes may result in tax liens and eventual tax deed proceedings

Land Use Regulations:

Property owners must comply with zoning ordinances
Building permits are required for most construction activities
Subdivision regulations govern the division of land
Floodplain regulations apply to properties in designated flood zones

Boundary Disputes:

Property boundaries are determined by legal descriptions in deeds
Surveys may be required to resolve boundary disputes
Adverse possession claims require 5 years of open, notorious, and continuous use under Montana Code Annotated § 70-19-411

Transfer Disclosure Requirements:

Sellers must disclose known material defects
Water rights must be properly transferred with property
Lead-based paint disclosures are required for pre-1978 housing
Septic system compliance may be required at transfer

The Property Owner Rule also encompasses the principle that property ownership is a matter of public record, and information about property ownership is accessible to the public through the county's record-keeping systems. This transparency serves to protect property rights and facilitate property transactions within Cascade County.

Lookup Property Records in Cascade County

Property Tax Information

Clerk and Recorder's Property Records

Land Records Search Portal

Treasurer's Office Property Information

Montana Property Record Cards