How to Find the Landlord of a Property

Whether you're considering renting a property and want to confirm it isn’t a scam, or you're already living in a rental and suddenly need to contact the owner, figuring out how to find the landlord of a property can be more complicated than it seems. 

Regardless of how you found yourself in this situation, not knowing who owns your rental isn’t just inconvenient — it can make it harder to exercise your rights as a tenant, like requesting repairs, or managing your responsibilities, such as sending rent to the correct person. From knowing who is receiving your rent to making sure urgent repairs are handled promptly, having accurate and up-to-date ownership information is essential. Let’s break down how to find the landlord of a property, verify who owns the rental, and protect yourself from scams or miscommunications along the way.

1. Check your lease

This step is for renters who are already living in a unit and are trying to either confirm or reconnect with the owner of the property. In this instance, your lease agreement is your first and most direct source of information. Leases typically include all the terms of your rental, as well as key contact information, including: 

• The landlord’s name
• Contact details, such as phone numbers, email addresses, or business location
• The property management company, if applicable

Even if you’ve misplaced your physical lease, a digital version may be available in your email or tenant portal. If not, and you have a property management company, they should be able to send you a copy upon request. 

Pro tip: If ownership of your rental has changed hands recently, your lease might reference the management company or previous landlord. Reach out to them to get updated contact details for the new owner. 

2. Contact the property management company

If a property management company manages your rental, they’re often the fastest and most reliable way to track down the landlord or verify who owns the property. These companies typically act on the landlord’s behalf, handling everything from essential contact information and managing day-to-day communication to rent collection and maintenance requests.

When reaching out, be prepared to provide helpful details, such as your full address, any owner information listed on your lease, and the reason for your contact — whether it’s to confirm ownership after a sale, update lost contact information, or clarify where your rent should be sent.

Remember, clear and respectful communication can go a long way in resolving questions quickly. If you need guidance on what to say or how to approach the conversation, check out our tips for a strong landlord-tenant relationship. By sharing the right information and maintaining a clear line of communication, you’ll help the property management team connect you with the answers you need.

3. Search for the landlord online

Never underestimate the power of a simple Google search. If you have the name, company, or email address of the owner, you may be able to uncover information such as: 

• Business listings
• Public reviews on landlord or social forums
• Real estate license records
• Social media accounts tied to real estate

For example, searching “John Doe + property owner + City” may bring up business registrations or rental listings tied to that name. This could  help you both identify the owner as well as make sure they are legitimate. Always cross-reference anything you find, especially if you’re worried the rental might be a potential scam. Online information isn’t always complete or verified. 

This method does work best if you already have a name to work off of. However, even if you don’t have a name, searching for the address can also reveal listings and past transactions that could lead to ownership clues.

4. Use public records and property databases

When in doubt, go straight to the source: public records. Most counties and municipalities maintain databases or records of who owns what property, and these are some of the most reliable and verified ways to find out who owns a specific location. You can usually search by using the address and going through your local government office or online portals like tax assessor records, property deed databases, or local property databases. Start your search at: 

• County tax assessor’s office: Most maintain searchable online records by property address.
• Recorder of deeds: Look for recent property transfers and deed filings. 
• Local property records databases: Available either online or in person, depending on your location. 

Through these searches, you’ll often find the full name of the property owner, their tax mailing address, as well as the purchase and sale history. Keep in mind that while most municipalities offer online portals, some may charge a small access fee or require you to submit a formal request.

What if you still can’t find the landlord? 

If all else fails, don’t worry too much — you still have a few options. You can always try to:

Ask your neighbors

Longtime residents of surrounding properties may have had previous contact with the landlord or know who manages the building.

Reach out to social media

Local groups are often an amazing resource to find information about certain properties or lost connections. Be cautious when sharing personal information with anyone you meet online.

Hire a professional service

Title companies and property search firms can legally access more extensive ownership data, although this comes at a cost.

Consult tenant advocacy groups

They often know the local landscape and can point you towards helpful resources or legal support.

Make your rental search easy with Zillow

Want to skip the guessing game entirely? Zillow offers a range of tools that help you steer clear of scams. You can find listings from verified property managers and rentals that accept Zillow Applications to keep your personal information secure.

Verified Source listings

To find listings from a Verified Source, look for the “Verified Source” label next to the management company’s name on the rental listing. This indicates the listing is sent to Zillow from a known and established property manager or property manager’s representative. Verified Source listings have precise contact details, so you can easily take the next step.

Online rental applications

When searching for a rental on Zillow, look for the little blue pill that says “Apply instantly”. Rental listings with this icon accept Zillow applications. Fill out your information once with us, and apply to as many participating properties as you want for 30 days with a $35 activation fee. Zillow applications only take a minute to fill out, saving you time and money.

Secure your rental with confidence

Finding out who owns a rental property should never feel like detective work. Whether you’re worried about a scam or just want to reestablish contact, using a combination of lease information, management companies, online searches, and public records can often help you get an answer quickly. 

Just remember to always cross-check information, and don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals or trusted resources. The more informed you are, the more confidently you can navigate your rights and responsibilities as a renter.