Union County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Union County in 2026
UnionTNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Union County, Tennessee. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, and encumbrance data through official county and state resources. Available record categories include property deeds, mortgage documents, tax assessments, lien filings, plat maps, and transfer histories. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the document and the digitization status of the relevant office.
Official resources for searching Union County property records include the following:
- Union County Assessor of Property – Provides ownership data, assessed values, and property characteristics
- Union County Register of Deeds – Maintains recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Union County Trustee – Handles property tax collection and payment history
- TN Property Viewer (TNMap) – Statewide GIS mapping tool for property ownership and parcel data
- Tennessee Comptroller – Property Assessments – Oversight and data for property assessments statewide
Online Search Methods:
1. Assessor of Property Website
The Union County Assessor of Property is the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may search records at no cost without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By map/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 (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and GIS map location
How to Search:
- Visit the Union County Assessor of Property website
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results list
- Select a property to view the full property card, maps, and sales history
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Register of Deeds – Official Records Search
The Union County Register of Deeds maintains recorded legal instruments. As stated on the office's official page, "The office of the Register of Deeds records various types of legal instruments and transactions. Among the most common are Warranty Deeds, Trust Deeds…"
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
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens filings
How to Search:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office page
- Select the appropriate search type
- Enter grantor/grantee names, dates, or document type
- Review results and click to view document images where available
- Note the book and page or instrument number for certified copy requests
3. County Trustee – Tax Information
The Union County Trustee collects all county real and personal property taxes. According to the office, "The Trustee acts as a Treasurer-General Banker for the County. The Office collects all county real and personal property taxes as well as State…"
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number or tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Outstanding balances and delinquency information
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates and installment plan status
4. GIS / Mapping System
The TN Property Viewer provides an interactive statewide mapping tool for locating parcels, viewing property boundaries, and accessing linked ownership data. Users may navigate the map to a specific location, click on a parcel, and view associated property information. The Tennessee Comptroller's office notes that "any questions regarding content on this site should be directed to the Assessor of Property for the county in which the property is located."
In-Person Searches:
Assessor of Property Office
Union County Assessor of Property
901 Main Street, Suite 106
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3211
Assessor of Property
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, maps and plats, and exemption application processing.
Register of Deeds Office
Union County Register of Deeds
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Register of Deeds
Members of the public may view official records, request certified copies, search grantor/grantee indexes, and access record books with staff assistance.
Trustee Office
Union County Trustee
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Union County Trustee
Services include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests:
Requests for copies of recorded documents may be submitted by mail to the Register of Deeds. Requestors should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address with an approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must be included. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and provide abstracts of title and title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys handle complex ownership issues, legal title opinions, and dispute resolution. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and obtain comparable sales data 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 for spelling variations or maiden names
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the courthouse may be required
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear due to recording processing delays
- Verify results using the parcel ID number when multiple results appear for common names
What Is Union County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government 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 under Tennessee law.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Chain of title and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Homeowner association (HOA) documents
- Lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemptions
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Union County Register of Deeds records and indexes official instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Union County Assessor of Property maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, and exemption applications. The Union County Trustee maintains tax bills, payment records, and delinquent tax information.
Legal Framework:
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-24-101, instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. The recording system establishes priority of interests and protects property rights by making all recorded instruments part of the public record. Property assessments are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 67-5-502, which establishes the duties of county assessors and the standards for valuing real property.
Are Property Records Public Information in Union County?
Property records in Union County are public information. Under Tennessee's public records law, Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee, and no special permission or stated reason is required to access them. This principle extends to property records maintained by the Register of Deeds, the Assessor of Property, and the Trustee.
Why Property Records Are Public:
The public nature of property records serves several essential functions:
- Transparency: The public has a right to know who owns property, how it is assessed, and what encumbrances exist
- Commercial purposes: Real estate transactions, title searches, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on open access to recorded instruments
- Legal protections: Recording provides constructive notice, establishes chain of title, and protects against fraudulent transfers
- Public interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on accessible 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 other recorded documents
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected within property records. 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 be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable Tennessee statutes. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Assessor of Property office can provide guidance on applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and journalists. Out-of-state inquirers and researchers retain the same access rights as Tennessee residents for recorded instruments.
Commercial Use:
Commercial entities may aggregate and use public property records for real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance, investment analysis, and market research. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern the use of information obtained from public records regardless of the public nature of the underlying data.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Union County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current charges maintained by Union County offices.
Register of Deeds – Copy and Recording Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per page |
| Recording a new instrument (first page) | $10.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $5.00 |
| Online document viewing | Free (where available) |
Recording fees in Tennessee are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-21-1001, which establishes the schedule of fees that registers of deeds may charge for recording, copying, and certifying instruments.
Assessor of Property – Copy Fees:
- Online property data: Free, no registration required
- Printed property cards: Nominal copying fee (contact office for current rate)
- GIS map prints: Nominal fee
Trustee – Tax Records:
- Online tax information: Free
- Printed tax bill copies: Nominal copying fee
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to the applicable county office)
- Money order
- Credit or debit card (availability varies by office; contact the relevant office to confirm)
Fee Waivers:
Tennessee law does not provide a general fee waiver for public records requests. However, members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Fees apply only when physical or certified copies are requested.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of any public property record
- Online viewing of assessment data through the TN Property Viewer
- Online viewing of tax information through the Trustee's office
- Online access to recorded document indexes through the Register of Deeds
What's Included in a Union County Property Record
A complete Union County property record draws from multiple official sources and may include the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) as recorded on the deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title with previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range, or metes and bounds)
- Parcel ID / folio number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
| Feature | Details Recorded |
|---|---|
| Lot size | Square feet or acres, dimensions, frontage |
| Building area | Total living area in square feet |
| Year built | Original construction year and effective year |
| Building type | Single family, duplex, commercial, etc. |
| Construction | Frame, masonry, exterior wall material, roof type |
| Interior | Bedrooms, bathrooms, total rooms |
| Additional features | Garage, pool, porch, fireplace, HVAC, water/sewer source |
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and market/just value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and discount information
- Tax payment history and delinquency history if applicable
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, widow/widower)
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers
- Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)
- Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
- Qualified/unqualified sale designation
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, amounts, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Land use code and future land use designation
- Special taxing districts (school, fire, water, CDD)
- Flood zone designation (FEMA) and environmental constraints
Maps and Images:
- Property photo and aerial photograph
- GIS map with property boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Confidential exemption application details
How Long Does Union County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Union County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed, as they form the legal foundation for chain of title and are required by law to remain accessible to the public.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Tennessee's records retention requirements mandate that recorded instruments be preserved indefinitely. The Register of Deeds is required under state law to maintain a permanent index and record of all instruments presented for recording. The Tennessee State Library and Archives provides oversight of records management practices for county offices statewide.
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
- Subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents affecting title
- Any instrument recorded with the Register of Deeds
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Union County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording:
- Very old records: Handwritten ledgers and bound books
- Mid-20th century: Typed entries in record books and microfilm
- Recent records: Digital scans and electronic document management systems
All formats are maintained at the Register of Deeds office, with digital backups for modern records. Climate-controlled storage protects paper and microfilm archives.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Fully online in most cases |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | May be online; microfilm available |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; books or microfilm |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice helpful |
Property Appraiser / Assessor Records:
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently by the Assessor of Property. Exemption applications are retained for a period consistent with the state records retention schedule, which varies by document type. Recent assessment history is available online through the Tennessee Comptroller's property assessments portal; historical assessments are available at the Assessor's office.
Tax Records:
The Trustee retains tax payment records for a minimum period consistent with state retention requirements. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years. Recent tax history is available online; older records are available at the Trustee's office.
Chain of Title:
Every transfer of real property from the original land grant to the present is preserved in the permanent record. Title searches in Tennessee review a minimum of 40 years under the state's marketable title principles, though a full abstract may trace ownership back to the original grant or territorial period. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before a clear title can be conveyed.
Accessing Historical Records:
Union County Register of Deeds
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Register of Deeds
Members of the public requesting very old records should contact the Register of Deeds in advance and specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the type of document sought. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to a few days depending on the format and storage location of the record.
Union County Assessor of Property
901 Main Street, Suite 106
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-3211
Assessor of Property
How To Find Liens on Property in Union County?
Liens on property in Union County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Register of Deeds. Members of the public may search for liens using the following methods and resources.
Types of Liens Recorded:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Tennessee Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors or materialmen
- HOA liens for unpaid assessments
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Visit the Union County Register of Deeds office or its online search portal
- Search by the property owner's name as grantor or grantee
- Filter results by document type (lien, judgment, tax lien, mechanic's lien)
- Review all results within the relevant time period
- Note the book and page or instrument number for each lien found
- Request a copy of the lien document if needed
- Check for corresponding releases or satisfactions filed after the lien
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the IRS Centralized Lien Operation for confirmation.
Judgment Liens:
Judgment liens arise when a court enters a monetary judgment against a property owner and the judgment is recorded with the Register of Deeds. Under Tennessee law, a properly recorded judgment becomes a lien on all real property owned by the debtor in the county where it is recorded. Searching the Register of Deeds by the owner's name will reveal any recorded judgment liens.
Mechanic's Liens:
Contractors, subcontractors, and materialmen who have not been paid for work performed on real property may file a mechanic's lien under Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-11-101 et seq. These liens are recorded with the Register of Deeds and are searchable by property owner name or parcel.
In-Person Lien Search:
Union County Register of Deeds
901 Main Street
Maynardville, TN 37807
Register of Deeds
Staff at the Register of Deeds can assist members of the public in locating lien filings. Requestors should bring the property owner's full legal name and the property address or parcel number to facilitate the search.
Tax Lien and Delinquency Information:
The Union County Trustee maintains records of delinquent property taxes. Members of the public may search for outstanding tax obligations by property address, owner name, or parcel number through the Trustee's office.
Professional Lien Searches:
Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A title search performed by a licensed title company or real estate attorney will identify all recorded liens, encumbrances, and other interests affecting a property's title.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Union County?
The property owner rule in Union County, Tennessee, refers to the body of state law and local practice governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership.
Establishment of Ownership:
Property ownership in Tennessee is established through a recorded deed. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-24-101, a deed or other instrument affecting real property must be recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors without notice. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to third parties.
Forms of Ownership:
Tennessee law recognizes several forms of real property ownership:
- Individual ownership: A single person holds title in their name alone
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) automatically receive the deceased owner's interest
- 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: A form of joint ownership available only to legally married spouses, which provides protection against the individual debts of either spouse
- Trust ownership: A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Entity ownership: Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other legal entities may own real property in Tennessee
Transfer of Ownership:
Real property in Tennessee is transferred by deed. The deed must identify the grantor and grantee, contain a legal description of the property, be signed by the grantor, and be acknowledged before a notary public. The deed must then be recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice of the transfer. Tennessee imposes a state transfer tax (realty transfer tax) on the conveyance of real property, calculated based on the consideration paid.
Property Tax Obligations:
All owners of real property in Union County are subject to annual property taxation. The Union County Assessor of Property assesses the value of all real and personal property in the county, and the Union County Trustee collects the resulting taxes. Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect may appeal to the County Board of Equalization within the time period established by state law.
Homestead Exemption:
Tennessee does not provide a traditional homestead exemption that reduces assessed value for owner-occupied residences in the same manner as some other states. However, Tennessee does provide a property tax relief program for qualifying elderly, disabled, and disabled veteran homeowners administered through the Tennessee Comptroller's office. Information on eligibility and application is available through the Tennessee Comptroller – Property Assessments portal.
Adverse Possession:
Under Tennessee law, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and adversely possesses real property for a period of seven years under color of title, or twenty years without color of title, may acquire legal ownership through adverse possession. Such claims must be established through a court proceeding, and any resulting judgment must be recorded with the Register of Deeds to establish record title.
Eminent Domain:
The government retains the power of eminent domain — the authority to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. Property owners in Union County whose property is subject to a taking are entitled to fair market value compensation under both the Tennessee Constitution and the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.