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Property rights and titleSubject 3 of 19

Recording

Placing an eligible real estate document in the public land records maintained by the appropriate recording office.

Direct answer

What does Recording mean?

Placing an eligible real estate document in the public land records maintained by the appropriate recording office.

Exam cue: Recording gives constructive notice and helps establish priority, but it does not repair an invalid document.

What does it look like in a question?

New York example

A deed is recorded with the county clerk after closing.

Common exam trap

What should you not confuse it with?

Delivery transfers the deed between the parties. Recording serves a different notice and priority function.

Related property rights and title terms

DeedA written instrument used to transfer an interest in real property.EasementA nonpossessory right to use another person's land for a stated purpose.EncroachmentA physical improvement that crosses a property line or intrudes into another protected area.Fee simpleThe broadest private ownership estate, potentially lasting indefinitely and subject to government powers and private restrictions.FixtureAn item that began as personal property but is treated as part of the real property because of attachment, adaptation and intent.Joint tenancyConcurrent ownership that includes a right of survivorship when it is properly created.
Sources used3 references with section locators

The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.

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