How To Search for Akron Property Records

Reviewing property records is the best way to confirm a property's history. These records contain essential information for doing your due diligence before buying or investing in real estate. This includes ownership history, assessed values, liens, zoning classifications, amenities, foreclosure filings, legal disputes, and more. Akron property records are considered public, which means that anyone can view them and request copies. You just need to know where to look. Below is a list of helpful resources that you can use to search for Akron property records.

Summit County Fiscal Office

The Summit County Fiscal Office is a central hub and primary resource for property records in Akron. This office is organized into key divisions that handle various property-related functions for the city:

• Auditor Division: Responsible for valuing all real property for tax purposes and calculating property taxes based on the assessed values.
• Recorder Division: Maintains official records of documents involving property ownership and transfers.
• Treasurer Division: Collects tax payments from property owners.

The fiscal office offers a property search tool that you can use to access a wealth of information online. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, current and past ownership details, assessed valuations, building characteristics, parcel maps, sales histories, tax bills, delinquent accounts, past payments, and much more. Searches can be done by name, parcel ID, and location, and results can be filtered by tax year. If you prefer to access and copy records in person, you can visit the office at the Ohio Building, 175 S. Main Street, Akron, OH 44308, to do so. You can also call any of the following numbers for general questions or to confirm office procedures before visiting:

• General Customer Service: 1-888-388-5613.
• Auditor Division: (330) 643-2636.
• Recorder Division: (330) 643-2712.
• Treasurer Division: (330) 643-2588.

Local Courts

The Summit County Court of Common Pleas and the Akron Municipal Court are also great resources for finding Akron property records, especially records of legal issues involving property. These include foreclosures, liens, landlord-tenant cases, title disputes, and other civil judgments. Both courts provide case search tools on their websites that you can use to look up cases by party name or case number. You may also visit the courthouse where the case was heard to request copies of these records in person. Here are the contact details for these courts:

Summit County Clerk of Courts

205 S. High Street

Akron, OH 44308

Phone: (330) 643-2211.

Akron Municipal Clerk of Courts

172 S. Broadway Street

Akron, OH 44308

Phone: (330) 375-2920.

Akron property taxes are used to fund various local government services, including schools, police and fire departments, public parks, libraries, road and infrastructure maintenance, and other community needs. The Summit County Fiscal Office's Auditor Division is responsible for determining the taxable value of each property in Akron, while its Treasurer Division collects the taxes. A property's market value is based on comparable recent sales, neighborhood characteristics, and the property's condition. The property is then assessed at 35% of this value, and the assessed value is used to calculate tax bills. The fiscal office conducts full reassessments every six years, with valuation updates done every three years in between, plus an annual review to account for any new construction or significant improvements to the property.

Tax bills are mailed twice yearly, with payments typically due in January and July (actual dates are indicated on the bills). If the first-half payment isn't paid by the due date, a 10% penalty is added, and if the full balance (including that penalty) is still unpaid by the second-half due date, another 10% penalty is applied to the entire outstanding amount. If taxes remain delinquent, a tax lien may be placed on the property, which could ultimately lead to foreclosure. The Summit County Fiscal Office offers several options for making tax payments, including online, by mail, over the phone by calling 1-800-272-9829 (use jurisdiction code 4596 for this option), and in person at its office or select banks and MoneyGram locations. The office also offers payment plans for homeowners who are behind on their property taxes. You can call the fiscal office at 1-888-388-5613 and (330) 643-2588 for general payment questions; for questions specifically on delinquent tax payment plans, call (330) 643-2600.

Assessments

The Summit County Fiscal Office (through its Auditor Division) periodically reassesses all properties in Akron to ensure fair taxation. A full reassessment is conducted every six years (sexennial reappraisals), and a valuation update is done every three years (triennial updates). Annual adjustments are also made for new construction or major improvements recorded through building permits. The next sexennial reappraisal for Akron (and the rest of Summit County) is scheduled for 2026, with the next triennial update scheduled for 2029.

Property owners usually receive a valuation notice during the summer or early fall of a reappraisal or update year, outlining the new assessed value for their property. If you believe your property has been overvalued, you may appeal to the Summit County Board of Revision (BOR). Appeals must be filed between January 1st and March 31st and may be filed annually, not just during reappraisal or update years. You will typically need to provide compelling evidence (like comparable sales, professional appraisals, or recent purchase contracts) to get the valuation adjusted. You can call the board at (330) 926-2559 or email BOR@summitoh.net for questions or assistance with appealing your property valuation.

Appraisals

Akron assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair market value of property by comparing similar properties with others in the local area that have sold recently. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.

Tax Rates

The median effective tax rate in Akron, Ohio, is 1.69%. This is significantly higher than the national median of 1.02% but lower than the Ohio state median of 1.80%. The city's average annual tax bill is $1,727, which is also lower than the national average of $2,400.

Here's a look at how Akron's tax rate compares to other counties in Ohio:

• Butler County 1.23%
• Champaign County 1.33%
• Crawford County 1.54%
• Cuyahoga County 2.64%
• Franklin County 2.10%
• Hamilton County 2.32%
• Harrison County 1.35%
• Lucas County 2.38%
• Medina County 1.53%
• Noble County 1.86%
• Seneca County 1.43%
• Shelby County 1.56%
• Stark County 1.67%
• Trumbull County 1.84%

Exemptions

Although Akron's annual property tax bills are below the national average, some homeowners may still find it difficult to keep up with their tax obligations. Thankfully, eligible homeowners in the city have access to several tax relief programs designed to reduce their financial burden. These include:

• Homestead Exemption Program: Lowers the taxable value of a primary residence for eligible seniors (65+), permanently disabled residents, certain military veterans, and the spouses of first responders who die in the line of duty.
• Owner-Occupancy Tax Reduction: Provides a tax bill reduction to homeowners who live in their property as their primary residence.
• Residential Tax Abatement: Freezes the taxable value of new residential construction or major home renovations (valued at least $5,000) for a specified period.

You can call the Summit County Fiscal Office at 1-888-388-5613 or (330) 643-2661 for more information or assistance with applying for a tax relief program. Questions specifically on the residential tax abatement program can also be directed to the Akron Long-Range Planning Division at (330) 375-2090.

You need to get proper permits before starting any construction or major renovation in Akron. Cosmetic updates and minor repairs, such as painting, carpeting, or fixture replacements, generally don't require a permit. The Summit County Division of Building Standards handles the building and construction permitting process for Akron. You can use the division's website to apply for permits, request inspections, and make payments. However, account registration may be required for these. If you prefer in-person services, you can visit the division's office at 1030 East Tallmadge Ave., Akron, OH 44310. Note that, depending on the scope of the project, you may also need additional approval from the Akron Plans and Permits Division before your requested permits can be issued. You can call the Summit County Division of Building Standards at (330) 630-7280 for more information. Inquiries may also be directed to the Akron Plans and Permits Division at (330) 375-2010.

Common types of permits issued in Akron include:

• Structural Permits: Required for constructing, altering, or expanding residential and commercial structures.
• Electrical Permits: Required for installing or modifying electrical wiring, panels, and other electrical systems.
• Fire Protection Permits: Required for installing or modifying fire alarms, sprinklers, and other fire-safety systems.
• HVAC Permits: Required for installing or modifying heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
• Plumbing Permits: Required for installing or modifying water, sewer, drainage, and other plumbing systems.

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

Once hailed as the "Rubber Capital of the World" for its pivotal role in the tire and rubber industry, Akron has since evolved into a dynamic center for healthcare, education, and innovation. The city is credited with pioneering the K-12 public school system through the Akron School of Law of 1847. Akron also offers a rich mix of cultural and recreational attractions, including the Akron Art Museum, the historic Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, and the Akron Zoo. It also serves as the gateway to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of Ohio's most visited natural attractions.

Akron, Ohio, has a population of 190,469 residents. The city has 94,725 housing units: 86,815 of these are occupied and 7,910 vacant, indicating an occupancy rate of approximately 92%. Available housing options in the city include single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, condos, and townhomes. Common housing styles include Colonial Revival, Craftsman, Victorian, Tudor, and Mid-Century Modern. The average home value in Akron, OH, is $136,469, representing a 0.5% increase from previous years. Note that actual values can vary significantly by neighborhood. Here are a few examples of average home prices in different Akron neighborhoods:

• Downtown $136,137
• East Akron $77,996
• Firestone Park $133,298
• Kenmore $105,685
• Middlebury $71,756
• South Akron $80,893

The Akron, Ohio, real estate market is competitive. While home prices have modestly increased over the years, the city remains attractive to first-time buyers and investors thanks to its relative affordability compared to other Ohio metro areas. Listed homes typically go under contract in around 10 days, and around 42% of listings sell above the asking price.