Where to Store a Deed to a House?

Storing your house deed in a secure and accessible location is crucial for protecting your property ownership records. The best places to store this vital document include a safe deposit box, with your bank or building society, or in a fireproof safe at home.

Understanding Your House Deed

A house deed is a legal document that proves ownership of a property. It contains essential information such as the names of the grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer), a legal description of the property, and signatures. While a deed must be recorded with the county recorder or clerk's office to make the ownership change official, you will typically receive the original deed back after it has been recorded. It is this original document that needs secure storage.

Top Secure Storage Options

Choosing the right storage method for your house deed depends on your priorities, such as security, accessibility, and cost.

1. Bank or Building Society

Many financial institutions, like your bank or building society, offer services to hold important documents for their customers. This can be a very secure option as these institutions have robust security measures in place.

• Pros:
  • High level of security and protection against fire, flood, and theft.
  • Professional handling and organization.
  • Convenient if you already bank there.
• Cons:
  • Access may be limited to banking hours.
  • There might be associated fees for this service.

2. Safe Deposit Box

A safe deposit box at a bank or credit union is a highly secure option for storing valuable documents like your house deed. They are designed to protect contents from fire, flood, and theft.

• Pros:
  • Excellent security, typically in a bank vault.
  • Protection from environmental damage.
  • Privacy for your documents.
• Cons:
  • Requires a rental fee, which can vary.
  • Access is restricted to bank operating hours.
  • Only authorized individuals can access the box.

3. Fireproof Safe at Home

For those who prefer immediate access to their documents, a fireproof and waterproof safe kept in a secure, discreet location within your home can be a viable option.

• Pros:
  • Immediate access to your document at any time.
  • No recurring fees after the initial purchase of the safe.
• Cons:
  • Vulnerable to theft if the safe is not adequately secured or if thieves gain access to your home.
  • Security depends on the quality and rating of the safe.
  • Requires careful placement to avoid discovery.

4. Attorney's Office

Some individuals choose to have their attorney keep original property deeds, especially if the attorney is also holding other important estate planning documents.

• Pros:
  • Professional and secure storage.
  • Integrated with other legal documents and estate plans.
• Cons:
  • Access depends on the attorney's availability.
  • May involve fees for document storage.

Key Considerations for Storing Your Deed

When deciding where to store your house deed, keep the following in mind:

• Security: Protect the document from theft, fire, flood, and other potential damage.
• Accessibility: Consider how quickly you might need to access the deed.
• Cost: Evaluate any associated fees for storage.
• Executor Awareness: Inform your trusted family members or the executor of your estate about where your deed is stored. Provide clear instructions on how to access it in case of an emergency or your passing.
• Copies: While the original deed is crucial, it's wise to keep digital and/or physical copies in a separate, accessible location for reference, but never rely solely on copies for official purposes.

Comparison of Storage Options

Here's a quick comparison of the most common and secure storage methods for your house deed:

By carefully considering these options, you can ensure your house deed is stored securely, safeguarding your property ownership. For more information on property ownership and real estate law, you may consult resources like the American Bar Association or reputable real estate law firms.