Knox County Property Records
What Is Knox County Property Records
Knox County property records are official documents maintained by various county departments that contain detailed information about real estate parcels within Knox County, Tennessee. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding property ownership, valuation, taxation, and legal status. The Knox County Property Assessor's Office is the primary custodian of property assessment records, while the Register of Deeds maintains documentation of property transfers and encumbrances.
Property records in Knox County typically include:
- Ownership information (current and historical)
- Property descriptions and boundaries
- Assessment values for tax purposes
- Tax payment history
- Deed information and transfer history
- Liens, easements, and other encumbrances
- Zoning classifications
- Building permits and improvements
These records are maintained pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 67-5-101 et seq., which establishes the legal framework for property assessment and record-keeping throughout the state. The Knox County Property Assessor's Office is located at:
Knox County Property Assessor
City-County Building
400 Main Street, Suite 204
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2365
Knox County Property Assessor
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.
Are Property Records Public Information In Knox County?
Yes, property records in Knox County are considered public information and are accessible to all citizens. This public access is guaranteed under the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503), which establishes that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee during regular business hours, unless otherwise provided by law.
The following property records are available for public inspection:
- Property assessment records
- Tax records
- Deeds and other recorded documents
- Plat maps and surveys
- Building permits
- Zoning information
While these records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws. For example, pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-504, certain personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, and driver's license numbers are protected from disclosure.
Citizens seeking to access property records may do so through:
Knox County Register of Deeds
City-County Building
400 Main Street, Suite 225
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2330
Knox County Register of Deeds
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.
How To Search Property Records in Knox County in 2025
Knox County offers multiple methods for searching property records in 2025, accommodating both digital and traditional research preferences. The county has enhanced its online systems while maintaining in-person services for comprehensive record searches.
To search Knox County property records effectively, citizens may utilize the following methods:
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Online Property Search Portal: The Knox County Property Search system allows users to search by owner name, property address, or parcel identification number (PIN). This system has been upgraded for 2025 with improved search algorithms and mobile compatibility.
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In-Person Research: Citizens may visit the Property Assessor's Office or Register of Deeds in person to conduct research with assistance from county staff. This method is particularly useful for complex searches or historical records that may not be fully digitized.
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KGIS Maps: The Knoxville-Knox County-KUB Geographic Information System provides visual mapping tools to locate properties and access basic property information.
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Tax Records Search: The Knox County Property Tax portal allows searches of tax payment history, current tax status, and assessment values.
For specialized searches or assistance, citizens may contact:
Knox County Information Services
City-County Building
400 Main Street, Suite 405
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2292
Knox County Official Government Website
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.
How To Find Property Records in Knox County Online?
Knox County maintains several comprehensive online systems that provide citizens with convenient access to property records. These digital resources have been developed to enhance transparency and accessibility in accordance with Tennessee's commitment to open government.
To access Knox County property records online, citizens may utilize the following official resources:
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Property Assessor's Database: The Knox County Property Assessor website offers a searchable database of all assessed properties in the county. Users may search by owner name, address, or parcel number to access assessment values, property characteristics, and ownership information.
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Register of Deeds Online Records: The Knox County Register of Deeds maintains an online portal where users can search for recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. Some documents dating back to the county's founding are available, though the most comprehensive digital records begin in the 1990s.
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Property Tax Records: Citizens may access the Knox County Property Tax portal to view tax bills, payment history, and current tax status for properties throughout the county.
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City of Knoxville Property Records: For properties within city limits, the Knoxville Property Tax Records system provides additional information specific to city taxation and services.
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Statewide Property Data: The Tennessee Property Assessment Data portal provides access to property information across Tennessee counties, including Knox County.
These online systems are maintained pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-121, which authorizes government entities to maintain public records in electronic formats.
Can You Look Up Knox County Property Records for Free?
Yes, Knox County provides multiple options for citizens to access property records at no cost. In accordance with Tennessee's commitment to government transparency and the Public Records Act, basic property record searches are available without fees.
Free property record access options include:
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Online Basic Searches: The Knox County Property Search portal and the Knox County Property Assessor website offer free basic searches of property ownership, assessment values, and property characteristics.
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KGIS Maps: The KGIS mapping system provides free access to property boundaries, zoning information, and basic property data through an interactive map interface.
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In-Person Viewing: Citizens may visit the Property Assessor's Office or Register of Deeds in person to view public records at no charge during regular business hours.
While basic searches are free, certain specialized services may incur fees:
- Certified copies of documents ($5 per document as established by T.C.A. § 8-21-1001)
- Extensive research assistance ($15 per hour after the first hour)
- Large-format printing of maps or plats ($3-$10 depending on size)
- Bulk data downloads ($50-$200 depending on scope)
Fee schedules are established pursuant to Knox County Ordinance 0-98-3-101 and are subject to periodic review by the Knox County Commission.
What's Included in a Knox County Property Record?
Knox County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by various county departments and collectively provide a detailed profile of each property.
A standard Knox County property record typically includes:
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Identification Information: Parcel ID number, property address, legal description, and tax map references.
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Ownership Details: Current owner's name and mailing address, along with a history of previous owners and dates of property transfers.
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Valuation Data: Assessed value for tax purposes, appraisal information, and property classification (residential, commercial, agricultural, etc.).
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Physical Characteristics: Land area, building square footage, number of rooms, construction type, year built, and other structural details.
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Tax Information: Current tax rates, payment history, exemptions, and tax status.
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Legal Instruments: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, covenants, and other recorded documents affecting the property.
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Zoning and Land Use: Current zoning designation, permitted uses, and any special districts or overlays.
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Improvement History: Building permits, additions, renovations, and other significant changes to the property.
These records are maintained in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 67-5-103, which requires county assessors to maintain accurate records of all taxable properties within their jurisdiction.
How Long Does Knox County Keep Property Records?
Knox County maintains property records in perpetuity, with some records dating back to the county's establishment in 1792. The retention of these records is governed by the Tennessee Public Records Commission guidelines and T.C.A. § 10-7-401 et seq., which establish minimum retention periods for various government records.
The retention schedule for different types of property records varies:
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Deed Records: Permanently maintained in their original form or as properly preserved digital copies. The oldest deed records in Knox County date to the late 18th century.
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Tax Records: Current and historical tax records are retained permanently, with digital records dating back to the 1980s and paper records available for earlier periods.
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Assessment Records: Property assessment information is maintained permanently, with comprehensive digital records available from the 1990s forward.
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Building Permits and Inspections: Retained for the life of the structure plus 10 years, in accordance with state building code requirements.
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Zoning Records: Changes to zoning designations are permanently recorded as part of the official zoning map history.
The Knox County Archives, in cooperation with the Register of Deeds and Property Assessor, has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to preserve historical property records. These digital archives ensure the long-term preservation of these important documents while improving public accessibility.
How To Find Liens on Property In Knox County?
Liens on property in Knox County are matters of public record and can be researched through several official channels. These encumbrances may include tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, or mortgage liens that affect the title and transferability of real property.
To research liens on Knox County properties, citizens may utilize the following methods:
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Register of Deeds Search: The Knox County Register of Deeds maintains records of all officially recorded liens. Their online database allows searches by property owner name, property address, or legal description.
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Tax Lien Search: The Knox County Property Tax portal identifies properties with delinquent taxes that may be subject to tax liens.
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Circuit Court Records: Judgment liens resulting from court cases can be researched through the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk's Office:
Knox County Circuit Court Clerk
City-County Building
400 Main Street, Suite 308
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2952
Knox County Official Government Website
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.
- Title Search: For comprehensive lien research, citizens may engage a professional title company or attorney who specializes in title examinations.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 66-11-101 et seq., various liens have different filing requirements and durations. For example, mechanic's liens must be filed within 90 days of the completion of work and generally expire after one year unless legal action is taken to enforce them.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Knox County?
The Property Owner Rule in Knox County refers to the legal principle established under Tennessee law that governs how property owners may testify about the value of their own property in legal proceedings. This rule is codified in Tennessee case law, particularly in the Tennessee Supreme Court decision in State ex rel. Smith v. Livingston Limestone Co. (1990).
Under the Property Owner Rule:
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Property owners are presumed to have special knowledge about their own property by virtue of their ownership.
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Owners may testify regarding the value of their property in court proceedings, even without formal appraisal training or expertise.
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This testimony is admissible as evidence, though its weight may be evaluated by the court based on the owner's demonstrated knowledge.
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The rule applies in various proceedings including tax appeals, eminent domain cases, and insurance disputes.
In Knox County, this rule is particularly relevant in assessment appeals before the Knox County Board of Equalization. Property owners challenging their tax assessments may present their own opinion of value, supported by relevant market data, comparable sales, or other evidence.
The Knox County Property Assessor's Office provides guidance to property owners regarding assessment appeals:
Knox County Board of Equalization
City-County Building
400 Main Street, Suite 204
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 215-2365
Knox County Property Assessor
Appeals must be filed within the designated appeal period, typically in June of each year, as established by T.C.A. § 67-5-1401.
Lookup Property Records in Knox County
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