California Property Deed Description

In real estate, the term deed refers to the legal document that transfers ownership of property. In California, the county clerk is responsible for recording deeds once they are completed and notarized. In addition to the street address, a deed will also include a parcel number and most importantly the legal description that defines the property.

Legal Description

It is important to use the legal description when referring to property in a deed because an inadequate property description could invalidate a deed or cause confusion. Legal descriptions define the exact location and precise boundaries of a piece of real estate. There are three methods commonly used in California to describe real property.

Metes & Bounds

Metes and bounds is the oldest method to describe property used by land surveyors. It defines the distance and direction of a parcel of land and may include references such as a landmark. A point of beginning (POB) starts a metes and bounds description.

Rectangular Survey

Another type of legal description found on deeds is the government survey system, which uses rectangular coordinates to divide land by meridians running north and south with baselines running east and west.

Maps & Plats

The most common method now used to describe property is the maps and plats method, also called lots and blocks. A plat is land subdivided on a map and separated by lots or streets, then recorded by a surveyor in the county in which the land is located. A property description that refers to a plat is ample enough to use on a deed recorded in California.

References

• Nolo Legal Encyclopedia: Deeds FAQ
• Sacramento County Public Law Library: Deeds
• "Principles of California Real Estate"; Kathryn J. Haupt; 2006