The legal description of a property is a crucial piece of information that provides a unique and precise identification of a specific parcel of land. It goes beyond a simple street address, offering a more detailed and legally binding description that is recognized by courts, title companies, and other legal entities.
The legal description typically includes the property’s exact boundaries, dimensions, and location within a specific subdivision, section, or township. This information is essential when filing a mechanic’s lien, as it ensures that the lien is attached to the correct property and can be enforced if necessary.
Without a proper legal description, there may be ambiguity or confusion regarding the property in question, which could lead to complications or delays in the lien process. You may even inadvertently place a lien on the wrong property. By including the correct legal description in your lien documents, you demonstrate a high level of diligence and professionalism, increasing the likelihood that your lien will be taken seriously and acted upon in a timely manner.
Where to Find a Property’s Legal Description
To find the legal description of a property, visit your county’s appraisal district website. These websites are free for the public to use and provide valuable information such as the project owner’s name, mailing address, and the property’s legal description. When searching, make sure to look through the real property records rather than the business or personal property records.
To locate your county’s appraisal district website, visit the Texas Comptroller’s website or perform an online search using terms like “(county name) Texas tax appraisal district website” or “(county name) CAD.” For instance, if you’re looking for property information in Harris County, you would search for “Harris County, Texas, tax appraisal district website” or “Harris CAD.” Once you’ve accessed the website, click on the “Property Search” link and enter the owner’s name and/or the property’s street address to find the relevant information.
It’s important to identify the correct legal name of the property owner as well, which could be an individual or a company name. Take your time to ensure you have accurate information, as this will be important when filing your mechanic’s lien.
If you’re having difficulty finding the information you need on the county appraisal district website, consider contacting the appraisal district office directly. The staff there can guide you through the process of locating the legal description or provide alternative methods for obtaining the necessary information.
In some cases, such as if the property has changed hands multiple times, navigating the tax appraisal websites can be challenging. You may not be able to locate the legal description easily. If this happens, don’t worry—you can still use the actual street address of the project in your lien documents, and your lien will remain valid. You can also consult with a real estate attorney, title company, or land surveyor to help determine the legal description of the property.
If you use Texas Easy Lien to file your mechanic’s lien, you can opt to have us verify both the property’s legal description and the current owner’s name. It’s just one of the benefits of using our services to save you time and ensure your lien is properly file Click here to read more on legal descriptions.