Clerk warns against high fees for copies of deeds

Ocean County Clerk Carl W. Block is advising all county homeowners that his office has received numerous phone calls and inquiries from property owners who are being sent a direct mail solicitation from a private company offering to provide them with a certified copy of their deed at a cost of $79.50.

The name of the company listed on the letterhead of the solicitation is "National Deed Service Inc.," with a Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C., address, and a toll-free telephone number. The latter alerts property owners to the fact that their "deed was recorded by the Ocean County Clerk" and that the federal government "recommends that property owners should have a certified copy of their deed."

The letter goes on to instruct homeowners that with a payment of $79.50 a certified copy of their recorded deed can be obtained from this company.

In a press release, Block said he wants all Ocean County homeowners to know they can obtain a certified copy of their recorded deed at any time, at their convenience, from his office of a cost of 25 cents per page and a $2 certification charge.

"No Ocean County property owner needs to pay the outrageous price of $79.50 to a private company for a certified copy of their recorded deed," Block said.

"It is unfortunate that companies would prey upon already financially strapped homeowners, especially our vast senior population, many of whom are on fixed incomes, in offering a service that already exists - and for a much more reasonable cost," Freehold Director John P. Kelly added.

Homeowners interested in obtaining a certified copy of their deed in person at the County Clerk's office should go to the Public Record Access Room or Deed Room located in the Ocean County Court House, first floor, 118 Washington St., Toms River, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Property owners who cannot obtain a copy of their deed in person may send a letter of request to the County Clerk's Office, but are advised to first call the Ocean County Clerk's Office at (732) 929-2053 and provide their complete property address, purchase date and lot and block number, if available, along with the full name of the owner so that they can be properly advised as to the appropriate payment information and mailing instructions.