Deed Guidelines

Key Information About Preparing a Deed

Adding a Person to a Deed

A person cannot simply be added to an existing deed. A new deed must be prepared and recorded.

Consider Consulting an Attorney

It is strongly recommended that you consult an attorney to prepare a deed and ensure the document meets applicable legal requirements.

Preparing Your Own Deed

If you choose to prepare a deed without an attorney:

• There is no standard blank deed that can simply be filled out.
• Each deed is specific to the property and must include the legal property description.
• The appropriate New York State deed format must be used for the seller's signature.

Required Real Property Transfer Forms

RP-5217 Real Property Transfer Report

RP-5217 Form Information

• The form must be completed electronically as a PDF and printed on legal-size paper.
• One seller and one buyer must sign the form.
• Handwritten or typewriter-completed forms will not be accepted by the Genesee County Clerk.
• Review the Genesee County RP-5217 filing requirements (PDF)(PDF, 539KB).

TP-584 Combined Real Estate Transfer Tax Return

TP-584 Form (PDF)

• The form may be completed on a computer or printed and completed in ink.
• All required parties must provide their Social Security numbers and sign the form.

Deed Recording Fees

• Recording fee: $45
• Additional page fee: $5 per page
• RP-5217 filing fee:
  • Property class code up to 299: $125
  • Property class code 300 and above: $250
• TP-584 filing fee: $5
• Real estate transfer tax: $4 per $1,000 of consideration
• Conveyance letter: $10 for one- to four-family residential property