Protecting Your Property
For many families, purchasing a home is one of the largest investments they will ever make. We protect our homes with insurance, security systems, and routine maintenance but many homeowners don't realize that protecting their property also includes staying informed about the public records associated with it.
One of the Lorain County Recorder's Office's most important community services is RecordALERT™, a free notification program that helps property owners monitor activity involving their name in the Recorder's Office. It's a simple tool that can provide peace of mind while helping homeowners become aware of unexpected activity involving their property records.
Property fraud, sometimes referred to as deed fraud or house stealing, occurs when someone attempts to fraudulently transfer ownership of a property or create false documents using forged signatures or stolen identities. While these cases remain relatively uncommon, they can have serious consequences if they go unnoticed for an extended period.
The Recorder's Office has an important responsibility in maintaining accurate public records, but it's also important to understand the limits of that responsibility. Under Ohio law, the Recorder records documents that meet the legal recording requirements. The office does not determine ownership disputes or investigate whether a document is fraudulent before recording it. Those matters must be addressed through the appropriate legal process.
That's why programs like RecordALERT™ are so valuable.
After creating a free account and selecting the names you wish to monitor, you'll receive an email notification whenever a document is recorded under that name in the Lorain County Recorder's Office. The program doesn't prevent fraud from occurring, but it can help you become aware of activity sooner so you can review the document and take appropriate action if something appears unusual.
The service is especially helpful for:
Homeowners
Owners of vacant property
Rental property owners
Families managing inherited property
Individuals buying or selling a home
Because the program is free and only takes a few minutes to set up, it's one of the easiest steps property owners can take to stay informed.
Protecting your property doesn't stop with recording a deed. Staying informed is an important part of protecting one of your most valuable investments.
In addition to enrolling in RecordALERT™, homeowners can also periodically search their property's public records using the Lorain County Recorder's online Property Search system. Together, these free resources make it easier to monitor your property's public record and understand the documents associated with your ownership.
Our office is committed to educating residents about the services available to them. Whether you're purchasing your first home, have owned property for decades, or simply want to better understand how public records work, we're here to provide information, resources, and assistance.
If you haven't already, we encourage you to take a few minutes to explore these free services:
RecordALERT™ Receive notifications when documents are recorded under your name.
Property Search Search public property records and obtain copies of recorded documents.
Frequently Asked Questions – Learn more about property fraud, deeds, and the Recorder's responsibilities.
Knowledge is one of the most effective tools for protecting your property, and staying informed is the first step.
Helpful Resources
RecordALERT™ (Property Fraud Alerts) Free property notification service. RecordALERT™
Property Search Search Lorain County public land records. Property Search
Frequently Asked Questions Learn more about deeds, property fraud, and Recorder services. Recorder FAQs
