How to Store Property Deeds

The deed to your property is a critical item. If it becomes lost, you will have no proof of ownership. Storing your deeds requires they be kept from fire, smoke and water damage, theft and loss. Few places offer the needed protection, but your local bank has a solution in a safety deposit box. These store your valuable property deeds in an off-site location protected in a fire-proof vault. You can access the box at any time during banking hours for reviewing or retrieving your property deeds.

• 1

  Go to your local bank and complete the paperwork for renting a safety deposit box.

• 2

  Choose the smallest size of available box for storing property deeds to keep the rental cost down.

• 3

  Place the property deeds in the safety deposit box.

• 4

  Store the key for the safety deposit box in a fireproof safe in your home, since this is the only way to open the box. Optionally, keep your property deed in a fireproof safe in your home, but it is prone to theft or natural disasters.

• 5

  Contact the county clerk in the county where the property is located to obtain a replacement copy of your property deeds. You might have to pay a fee.