Bossier Parish Public Records /Bossier Parish Property Records

Bossier County Property Records

What Is Bossier County Property Records

Property records in Bossier Parish (commonly referred to as Bossier County) are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the parish boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout the jurisdiction. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish legal ownership through a documented chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.

In accordance with Louisiana Civil Code Article 3338, the recording of instruments affecting immovable property is required to establish rights against third parties. This statute mandates that sales, mortgages, and other documents affecting real property must be properly recorded to be effective against third parties. The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of these property records.

Property records in Bossier Parish typically include:

Deeds and conveyances
Mortgages and mortgage releases
Liens and judgments
Easements and rights-of-way
Plat maps and surveys
Tax assessment records
Property tax payment history

The Bossier Parish Police Jury works in conjunction with the Clerk of Court and Tax Assessor to maintain comprehensive property records that serve both governmental and public needs. These records form the foundation of property ownership in the parish and are essential for real estate transactions, property tax administration, and land use planning.

Are Property Records Public Information In Bossier County?

Property records in Bossier Parish are indeed public information, accessible to any member of the public without the need to demonstrate a specific interest or reason for access. This public access is guaranteed under both state and federal law, reflecting the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record.

The legal basis for public access to property records in Louisiana is established by the Louisiana Public Records Law, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1 et seq. This statute defines public records broadly to include "all books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers...prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business" of public bodies.

Additionally, Louisiana Civil Code Article 3341 specifically addresses the public nature of property records, stating that the recorder shall make all acts and instruments filed for recordation available for public inspection. This transparency in land ownership serves several important public interests:

It enables potential buyers to verify ownership before purchasing property
It allows creditors to determine property ownership for lending decisions
It facilitates proper assessment and collection of property taxes
It supports land use planning and development

The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court maintains these public records and makes them available for inspection during regular business hours. While the records themselves are public, certain personal information contained within them may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws.

How To Search Property Records in Bossier County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search property records in Bossier Parish may utilize several methods to access this information. The parish offers both in-person and online options for conducting property record searches.

For in-person searches, individuals may visit:

Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
(318) 965-2336
Bossier Parish Clerk of Court

The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. To conduct an in-person search:

Proceed to the Land Records Department within the Clerk's office
Complete a visitor registration form at the front desk
Request access to the public computer terminals for property record searches
Search by owner name, property address, or legal description
Identify relevant documents and request copies if needed
Pay applicable fees for any copies requested

For those unable to visit in person, the Clerk's office provides remote search options. The current fee schedule for copies is $1.00 per page for regular copies and $5.00 per certified copy, plus any applicable search fees.

Individuals may also contact the Bossier Parish Tax Assessor for property assessment records:

Bossier Parish Tax Assessor
204 Burt Boulevard, Room 101
Benton, LA 71006
(318) 965-2213
Bossier Parish Tax Assessor

The Tax Assessor maintains records related to property values, tax assessments, and ownership information for tax purposes. These records complement the legal documents maintained by the Clerk of Court.

How To Find Property Records in Bossier County Online?

Bossier Parish offers comprehensive online access to property records through several official portals. These digital resources allow members of the public to search and retrieve property information without visiting parish offices in person.

The primary online resources for Bossier Parish property records include:

Bossier Parish Clerk of Court Online Records: The Clerk's office maintains an online portal where users can search for recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens. To access these records:
- Navigate to the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court website
- Select "Online Services" and then "Land Records"
- Create a user account if required
- Search by name, property address, or document type
- View document images and print or download as needed
Bossier Parish Tax Assessor Property Search: The Tax Assessor's online database provides access to property assessment information, including:
- Current ownership information
- Property descriptions and classifications
- Assessment values
- Tax history
- Homestead exemption status
Bossier Parish Geographic Information System (GIS): The parish maintains a comprehensive GIS mapping system that provides visual representation of property boundaries, zoning, and other spatial data. This system allows users to:
- View interactive maps of parish properties
- Access parcel information and ownership data
- View aerial imagery
- Identify flood zones and other environmental factors

When using these online systems, users should note that while basic searches are typically free, there may be fees for downloading document images or accessing certain enhanced features. Additionally, pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:32, some records may have personal information redacted for privacy protection.

How To Look Up Bossier County Property Records for Free?

Bossier Parish residents and other interested parties have several options to access property records at no cost. While some enhanced services may require payment, basic property information is available without charge through various public resources.

Free access options include:

Public Access Terminals: The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court provides free public access terminals at their office location. Visitors may use these terminals to search property records during regular business hours without paying search fees. While printing documents incurs a fee, viewing records on-screen is free of charge.
Bossier Parish Public Library: The parish library system offers free internet access where patrons can utilize the public property record portals. Library staff can often assist with navigating these resources.

Bossier Parish Library - Central Branch
2206 Beckett Street
Bossier City, LA 71111
(318) 746-1693
Bossier Parish Libraries
Louisiana Tax Commission Website: The Louisiana Tax Commission provides free access to basic property assessment data for all parishes in the state, including Bossier Parish. This resource is particularly useful for obtaining property valuation information.
Bossier Parish Police Jury Website: The official Bossier Parish government website offers free access to various property-related information, including zoning maps, flood zone data, and links to other property resources.
Louisiana Secretary of State Commercial Database: For properties owned by businesses, the Secretary of State's commercial database can provide ownership information at no cost.

When utilizing these free resources, members of the public should be aware that:

The most current information may not always be immediately available through free resources
Complex searches may be more efficiently conducted through paid services
Staff assistance may be limited at public access points
Some documents may require certified copies for legal purposes, which will incur fees

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:32(C)(1)(a), public bodies may establish reasonable fees for copies of public records, but they cannot charge for examination of records.

What's Included in a Bossier County Property Record?

Property records in Bossier Parish contain comprehensive information about real property within the parish boundaries. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with different parish offices maintaining specific types of records.

A complete Bossier Parish property record typically includes:

Ownership Information:
- Current owner's name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration paid
- Type of ownership (individual, joint tenancy, community property)
Property Description:
- Legal description (metes and bounds or lot/block/subdivision)
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Acreage or lot size
- Zoning classification
- Flood zone designation
Structural Information:
- Building descriptions
- Year built
- Square footage
- Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
- Construction type
- Improvements and additions
Financial Information:
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Tax assessment history
- Tax payment records
- Homestead exemption status
Encumbrances and Restrictions:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Mineral rights reservations

In accordance with Louisiana Civil Code Article 3346, recorded documents must meet specific requirements to be properly filed, including original signatures, proper acknowledgments, and legible text. This ensures the integrity and reliability of the property records system.

The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court maintains the legal documents affecting property ownership, while the Tax Assessor maintains valuation and tax records. The Bossier Parish GIS Department maintains mapping data that complements these textual records with spatial information.

How Long Does Bossier County Keep Property Records?

Bossier Parish maintains property records in perpetuity for most essential documents related to real property ownership and transfers. This permanent retention policy ensures the continuous chain of title necessary for property rights protection and transaction facilitation.

The retention periods for various property-related documents are governed by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Retention Schedule for local government agencies, as mandated by Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:36. This statute establishes minimum retention periods, though many property records are kept permanently due to their ongoing legal significance.

Specific retention periods for common property records include:

Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
Mortgages and Releases: Permanent retention
Property Tax Assessment Rolls: Permanent retention
Tax Sale Certificates: Permanent retention
Subdivision Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
Building Permits: Minimum 3 years after issuance, though many are kept longer
Property Tax Payment Records: Minimum 3 years after audit
Zoning Variance Applications: Minimum 5 years after final decision

The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court has implemented digital preservation systems to ensure the long-term accessibility of these records. Historical property records dating back to the parish's formation in 1843 have been preserved and many have been digitized for easier access and protection from physical deterioration.

For research purposes involving historical property records, the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center provides additional resources:

Bossier Parish Library Historical Center
2206 Beckett Street
Bossier City, LA 71111
(318) 746-7717
Bossier Parish Library Historical Center

This facility maintains historical maps, photographs, and other documents that complement the official property records maintained by the Clerk of Court and Tax Assessor.

How To Find Liens on Property In Bossier County?

Liens on property in Bossier Parish are public records that can be searched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold, and identifying them is a crucial step in property transactions.

To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Bossier Parish:

Clerk of Court Records Search: The primary source for lien information is the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court, where liens are officially recorded. Individuals may:
- Visit the Clerk's office in person at 204 Burt Boulevard, Benton, LA 71006
- Access the online records portal
- Search by property owner name, property address, or legal description
- Review documents categorized as liens, judgments, or encumbrances
Tax Assessor's Office: For tax liens specifically, contact:

Bossier Parish Tax Assessor
204 Burt Boulevard, Room 101
Benton, LA 71006
(318) 965-2213
Bossier Parish Tax Assessor
Parish Tax Collector: For property tax delinquencies that may result in tax liens:

Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office - Tax Department
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
(318) 965-2203
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office
Federal Tax Lien Search: For federal tax liens, check both the Clerk of Court records and the Internal Revenue Service directly.
Louisiana Secretary of State: For Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings that may affect fixtures on the property:
- Access the Secretary of State's UCC search portal
- Search by debtor name or file number

Common types of liens that may be discovered include:

Tax liens (federal, state, and local)
Mortgage liens
Mechanic's and materialmen's liens
Judgment liens
Child support liens
Homeowners association liens

In accordance with Louisiana Civil Code Article 3357, liens and privileges against immovable property must be recorded to be effective against third parties. Unrecorded liens generally do not affect subsequent purchasers of the property, highlighting the importance of the public records system in protecting property transactions.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Bossier County?

The Property Owner Rule in Bossier Parish refers to a collection of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the parish. These rules are derived from Louisiana state law, parish ordinances, and established legal precedents.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule in Bossier Parish include:

Ownership Recording Requirements: In accordance with Louisiana Civil Code Article 3338, all transfers of immovable property must be recorded in the parish where the property is located to be effective against third parties. This "public records doctrine" establishes that unrecorded transfers are not binding on third persons, even if they have actual knowledge of the transfer.
Community Property Considerations: Louisiana is a community property state, meaning property acquired during marriage generally belongs equally to both spouses. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2347, the concurrence of both spouses is required for the alienation, encumbrance, or lease of community immovables.
Homestead Exemption Rules: Bossier Parish property owners may qualify for homestead exemption on their primary residence, which exempts the first $7,500 of assessed value from parish property taxes. This exemption is authorized by the Louisiana Constitution Article VII, Section 20 and administered by the Bossier Parish Tax Assessor.
Property Tax Obligations: Property owners in Bossier Parish are required to pay annual property taxes based on the assessed value of their property. Failure to pay these taxes can result in tax liens and eventually tax sales of the property, as governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 47:2153.
Servitude and Easement Regulations: Louisiana law recognizes various types of servitudes (easements) that may affect property rights, including predial servitudes, personal servitudes, and public utility servitudes. These are governed by Louisiana Civil Code Articles 646-774.
Zoning and Land Use Restrictions: The Bossier Parish Police Jury has established zoning ordinances that regulate land use throughout the parish. Property owners must comply with these regulations when developing or changing the use of their property.
Expropriation (Eminent Domain) Provisions: Under Louisiana Constitution Article I, Section 4, property owners are entitled to just compensation if their property is taken or damaged for public purposes. This constitutional protection establishes important rights for property owners facing government acquisition of their land.

Property owners in Bossier Parish should familiarize themselves with these rules to understand their rights and responsibilities. The Bossier Parish Police Jury and other parish offices provide guidance on compliance with local property regulations.