Leake County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Leake County in 2026
LeakeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Leake County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find ownership history, deed transfers, tax assessments, recorded liens, and related real estate documents. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the document type and the time period covered.
Property records in Leake County may be searched through the following official resources:
- Leake County Tax Assessor – property valuations, ownership data, and parcel information
- Leake County Chancery Clerk – recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and official instruments
- Mississippi Department of Revenue – state-level tax and assessment guidance
- Leake County GIS – parcel mapping and geographic property data
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Leake County Tax Assessor maintains the primary database for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access this resource at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision name
- By map or GIS 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 of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and GIS map location
How to Search:
- Visit the Leake County Tax Assessor website
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select a specific property to view the full property card
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Chancery Clerk Official Records Search
The Leake County Chancery Clerk serves as the official recorder of property instruments. Recorded documents are indexed by grantor and grantee name and are available for public inspection.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number or instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Lis pendens notices
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
How to Search:
- Contact or visit the Leake County Chancery Clerk office
- Request access to the grantor/grantee index
- Enter the name or document type to locate relevant instruments
- Note the book and page or instrument number for each document
- Request copies of specific documents; fees apply per page
3. Tax Collector Website
The Leake County Tax Assessor-Collector maintains tax payment records and delinquency information for all parcels within the county.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number or tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Outstanding balances and delinquency records
- Exemptions applied and millage rates
- Payment history
4. GIS / Mapping System
Leake County provides geographic information system (GIS) mapping tools that allow members of the public to locate parcels visually, view property boundaries, and access linked assessment data.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the property location
- Click on a parcel to view associated property information
- Access linked records for ownership and assessment data
- View zoning layers, flood zones, and aerial photography
In-Person Searches:
Leake County Tax Assessor-Collector
101 Court Street, Suite 107
Carthage, MS 39051
Phone: (601) 267-3065
Leake County Tax Assessor-Collector
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, maps, and exemption applications.
Leake County Chancery Clerk
101 Court Street
Carthage, MS 39051
Phone: (601) 267-7371
Leake County Chancery Clerk
Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, and accessing record books.
By Mail Requests:
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Chancery Clerk for copies of recorded documents. Requests should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request.
Through Professionals:
Title companies provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys offer legal title opinions and assistance with complex ownership issues. 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, an in-person visit to the Chancery Clerk's office is required
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online systems due to recording delays
What Is Leake County Property Records
Property records in Leake County are official documents related to real property — including land and buildings — maintained by county government offices as legal records of ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. These records are essential for establishing clear title and are accessible to any member of the public.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and assess property taxes
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, special warranty deeds, life estate deeds, and trust documents affecting real property. These instruments form the chain of title from original grant to present ownership.
Encumbrance Records include mortgages, deeds of trust, tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, easements, restrictive covenants, homeowner association documents, and lis pendens notices.
Tax and Assessment Records include property tax assessments, tax bills, payment history, exemption records, millage rates, special assessments, and tax delinquency records.
Legal Descriptions include plat maps, subdivision plats, surveys, lot and block information, and metes and bounds descriptions.
Building and Permit Records include building permits, certificates of occupancy, code violations, and zoning information maintained by the county's building and planning department.
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Leake County Chancery Clerk records and indexes all official instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, pursuant to Mississippi Code § 89-5-1, which governs the recording of conveyances in the state. The Tax Assessor-Collector maintains property valuations, assessment records, ownership information, and exemption applications. The county's building and planning department maintains permit and inspection records.
Under Mississippi Code § 27-35-1, all real property in Mississippi is subject to ad valorem taxation, and assessment records are maintained as public documents to ensure transparency in the taxation process.
Are Property Records Public Information in Leake County?
Property records in Leake County are public information. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, § 25-61-1 et seq., all records maintained by public bodies are presumed open to inspection by any person unless a specific exemption applies. Property records maintained by the Chancery Clerk and Tax Assessor-Collector are not subject to any general exemption and are freely accessible to members of the public.
As stated in Mississippi's public records framework, "all public records are hereby declared to be public property, and any person shall have the right to inspect, copy, or mechanically reproduce or obtain a reproduction of any public record." This principle has governed land records in Mississippi since statehood and reflects centuries of common law tradition requiring transparency in property ownership.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency in property ownership prevents fraud and secret transfers
- Public access enables real estate transactions, title searches, and title insurance
- Assessment transparency supports accountability in property taxation
- Historical and genealogical research depends on permanent public land records
- Journalistic investigation and community planning rely on open property data
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- 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 state and federal law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may request address confidentiality protections under applicable state provisions. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information and are subject to separate access policies administered by the Tax Assessor-Collector.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access property records in Leake County regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial use of public property records is permitted under Mississippi law. Title companies, appraisal firms, and data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American routinely compile and resell property record data. Anti-harassment laws and fair housing statutes continue to apply regardless of the public nature of the underlying records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Leake County?
The cost to obtain property records in Leake County depends on the type of record requested and the method of access. Viewing records in person or online through official county portals is generally available at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested.
Standard Fee Schedule — Chancery Clerk (Recorded Documents):
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $1.00 per page + certification fee |
| Recording a new instrument (first page) | $10.00 |
| Recording a new instrument (each additional page) | $5.00 |
| Search fee (staff-assisted) | Varies |
Fees for recording instruments in Mississippi are governed by Mississippi Code § 25-7-9, which establishes the schedule of fees that clerks of court may charge for recording, copying, and certifying public records.
Tax Assessor-Collector Records:
- Online access to assessment and ownership data: Free
- Printed copies of property records: Standard per-page copy fees apply
- Tax bill copies: Available at no charge in most circumstances
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order (mail requests and in-person)
- Credit or debit card (availability varies; confirm with the office)
Fee Waivers: Mississippi law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Members of the public who are indigent or who represent a governmental entity may inquire with the Chancery Clerk regarding applicable policies.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of assessment records through the Tax Assessor-Collector portal
- In-person inspection of recorded instruments at the Chancery Clerk's office
- GIS parcel mapping and aerial photography
- Tax payment status and delinquency information
What's Included in a Leake County Property Record?
A complete Leake County property record draws from multiple county offices and may include the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, and the deed book and page or instrument number by which title was conveyed. Mailing addresses for tax billing purposes are also included. Previous ownership information provides the chain of title, listing prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a site address, legal description (lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds description), and a unique parcel ID or tax account number. Condominium unit numbers and alternate parcel numbers are included where applicable.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garages, pools, porches, fireplaces, and HVAC systems. Water source and sewer system type are also noted.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, market value, and taxable value. Historical assessed values for prior years are typically available, allowing users to track value trends over time.
Tax Information:
Current year tax records include the total tax amount due, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts). Tax payment history and delinquency records are also maintained.
Exemptions Applied:
- Homestead exemption
- Senior citizen exemption
- Disability exemption
- Veteran exemption
- Agricultural exemption
- Conservation or historic preservation exemption
Sales History:
Sales history typically includes the last several transactions, listing sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, or gift), grantor and grantee names, and deed instrument numbers.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, code enforcement liens, and easements are all reflected in the official records maintained by the Chancery Clerk. Lis pendens notices and recorded restrictions and covenants are also included.
Legal and Regulatory Information:
Zoning classification, land use designation, future land use, special district assignments (school, fire, water), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, and FEMA flood zone designations are part of the comprehensive property record.
Maps and Images:
Property records may include exterior photographs, aerial imagery, GIS parcel boundary maps, plat maps, and property sketches maintained by the Tax Assessor-Collector.
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted)
- Private agreements not recorded with the Chancery Clerk
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Leake County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Leake County are maintained permanently. The Chancery Clerk is required by law to preserve all recorded instruments affecting real property indefinitely, as these records form the legal foundation for chain of title and cannot be destroyed without undermining the integrity of the land title system.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Mississippi's records retention requirements for county clerks are established under state law and administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which publishes retention schedules for local government records. Recorded instruments affecting title — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are classified as permanent records and are never subject to destruction.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- Plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Court documents affecting title
- Lis pendens notices
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Leake County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very old records are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records may be available on microfilm. More recent records are maintained as digital scans within electronic document management systems, with backup systems in place for preservation.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Typical Availability |
|---|---|
| Last 20 years | Online in most counties |
| 20–50 years ago | Microfilm or digital at courthouse |
| 50–100 years ago | Original books or microfilm; staff retrieval |
| 100+ years ago | Archive storage; advance notice may be needed |
Property Appraiser Assessment Records:
Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained permanently by the Tax Assessor-Collector. Recent years of assessment history are typically available through the online portal, while older records may require an in-person request.
Tax Collector Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years under standard retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Tax certificate records are maintained until redeemed or until a tax deed is issued.
Building Permit Records:
Building permit records are maintained by the county's building and planning department. Retention periods vary by permit type; permits for major construction are typically retained permanently, while minor permits may be retained for a shorter period.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking historical property records should contact the Chancery Clerk's office directly. Staff can retrieve records from storage, including original books and microfilm. For very old records, advance notice is recommended. The same public access rights and copy fee schedule apply to historical records as to current records.
Leake County Chancery Clerk
101 Court Street
Carthage, MS 39051
Phone: (601) 267-7371
Leake County Chancery Clerk
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
200 North Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-6850
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
How To Find Liens on Property in Leake County?
Liens on property in Leake County are recorded with the Chancery Clerk and are searchable through the official records index maintained at the courthouse. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and lenders.
Types of Liens Recorded in Leake County:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Mississippi Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens arising from civil court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors or materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Visit the Leake County Chancery Clerk's office in person at 101 Court Street, Carthage, MS 39051, or contact the office by phone at (601) 267-7371
- Request access to the grantor/grantee index and specify the property owner's name or parcel number
- Search the index for any recorded instruments identified as liens, judgments, or notices of claim
- Note the book and page or instrument number for each lien found
- Request copies of the lien documents; standard per-page copy fees apply
- For federal tax liens, members of the public may also search the IRS online lien search tool as a supplementary resource
- For state tax liens, contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue to confirm whether any state tax liens have been filed against the property owner
Judgment Liens:
Judgment liens in Mississippi attach to real property located in the county where the judgment is recorded. Members of the public may search the Chancery Clerk's judgment lien index by the name of the judgment debtor. A judgment lien remains effective for seven years from the date of recording and may be renewed.
Mechanic's Liens:
Contractors, subcontractors, and materialmen who have not been paid for work performed on real property may file a mechanic's lien with the Chancery Clerk pursuant to Mississippi's lien statutes. These liens are indexed under the property owner's name and the property address.
Title Search Recommendation:
A comprehensive lien search is a standard component of any professional title search. Title companies and real estate attorneys routinely search all lien indexes as part of the title examination process prior to a real estate closing.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Leake County?
The property owner rule in Leake County refers to the body of Mississippi law and local regulations that govern who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership within the county.
Establishing Ownership:
Under Mississippi law, ownership of real property is established by a recorded deed. A deed must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the Leake County Chancery Clerk to provide constructive notice to the public. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 89-5-1, every conveyance of real property is void as against subsequent purchasers for valuable consideration without notice unless the conveyance is recorded.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Mississippi:
- Individual ownership – A single person holds title in their own name
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship – Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common – Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety – Available to married couples in Mississippi; provides certain protections against individual creditors
- Trust ownership – A trustee holds title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Corporate or LLC ownership – A legal entity holds title; ownership is governed by the entity's organizational documents
Property Owner Rights in Leake County:
Property owners in Leake County hold the right to use, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and state and local law. The right to exclude others from the property is a fundamental attribute of ownership recognized under Mississippi common law.
Property Owner Obligations:
- Payment of ad valorem property taxes assessed annually by the Tax Assessor-Collector
- Compliance with county zoning ordinances and land use regulations
- Compliance with building codes and permit requirements for construction or renovation
- Maintenance of the property in accordance with applicable code enforcement standards
- Payment of any HOA assessments if the property is subject to a homeowner association
Homestead Exemption:
Mississippi law provides a homestead exemption for owner-occupied residential property. Qualifying homeowners may receive a reduction in assessed value for ad valorem tax purposes. Applications are filed with the Leake County Tax Assessor-Collector. The exemption is available to Mississippi residents who own and occupy their primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year.
Adverse Possession:
Under Mississippi law, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely possesses real property for a period of ten years may acquire legal title through adverse possession. Claims of adverse possession must be established through a court proceeding, and any resulting judgment must be recorded with the Chancery Clerk to affect the chain of title.
Transfer of Ownership:
Property in Leake County is transferred by recorded deed. The deed must contain a legal description of the property, identify the grantor and grantee, state the consideration paid, and be properly acknowledged and recorded. Documentary stamp taxes apply to transfers of real property in Mississippi and are collected at the time of recording.
Leake County Tax Assessor-Collector
101 Court Street, Suite 107
Carthage, MS 39051
Phone: (601) 267-3065
Leake County Tax Assessor-Collector
Leake County Chancery Clerk
101 Court Street
Carthage, MS 39051
Phone: (601) 267-7371
Leake County Chancery Clerk
Mississippi Secretary of State — Land Records Division
125 South Congress Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 359-1350
Mississippi Secretary of State