Tompkins County Memorandum of Contract for Deed Form
Last validated July 24, 2026 by our Forms Development Team
Tompkins County Memorandum of Contract for Deed Form
Fill in the blank Memorandum of Contract for Deed form formatted to comply with all New York recording and content requirements.

Tompkins County Memorandum of Contract for Deed Guide
Line by line guide explaining every blank on the Memorandum of Contract for Deed form.

Tompkins County Completed Example of the Memorandum of Contract for Deed Document
Example of a properly completed New York Memorandum of Contract for Deed document for reference.
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Additional New York and Tompkins County documents included at no extra charge:
Where to Record Your Documents
Tompkins County Clerk
Ithaca, New York 14850
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Phone: (607) 274-5431
Recording Tips for Tompkins County:
- Ensure all signatures are in blue or black ink
- Check that your notary's commission hasn't expired
- Request a receipt showing your recording numbers
- Ask about accepted payment methods when you call ahead
Cities and Jurisdictions in Tompkins County
Properties in any of these areas use Tompkins County forms:
- Brooktondale
- Dryden
- Etna
- Freeville
- Groton
- Ithaca
- Jacksonville
- Lansing
- Mc Lean
- Newfield
- Slaterville Springs
- Trumansburg
Hours, fees, requirements, and more for Tompkins County
How do I get my forms?
Forms are available for immediate download after payment. The Tompkins County forms will be in your account ready to download to your computer. An account is created for you during checkout if you don't have one. Forms are NOT emailed.
Are these forms guaranteed to be recordable in Tompkins County?
Yes. Our form blanks are guaranteed to meet or exceed the applicable formatting requirements used for recording in Tompkins County, including margin requirements, font requirements, and other layout standards. This guarantee applies to formatting, not to the legal sufficiency of information entered by the user or the suitability of a form for a particular transaction.
Can I reuse these forms?
Yes. You can reuse the forms for your personal use. For example, if you have multiple properties in Tompkins County you only need to order once.
What do I need to use these forms?
The forms are PDFs that you fill out on your computer. You'll need Adobe Reader (free software that most computers already have). You do NOT enter your property information online - you download the blank forms and complete them privately on your own computer.
Are there any recurring fees?
No. This is a one-time purchase. Nothing to cancel, no memberships, no recurring fees.
How much does it cost to record in Tompkins County?
Recording fees in Tompkins County vary. Contact the recorder's office at (607) 274-5431 for current fees.
Questions answered? Let's get started!
Uses of a Memorandum of Contract for Deed
1. Providing Public Notice:
Recording Interests: The primary purpose of a Memorandum of Contract for Deed is to provide public notice of the buyer’s equitable interest in the property without disclosing the full terms of the contract. Recording this memorandum with the county clerk where the property is located can help protect the buyer’s interest against future claims or encumbrances. A contract for deed, also known as an installment sale agreement, is a real estate transaction where the seller retains legal title to the property until the buyer completes payment of the purchase price.
2. Protecting Buyer’s Interest:
Priority of Claims: By recording the memorandum, the buyer establishes a public record of their interest in the property. This can help prioritize the buyer’s interest over subsequent purchasers or creditors who might try to claim an interest in the property. For instance, if a buyer is making substantial renovations to the property, recording a memorandum ensures that their interest is recognized and protected, even if the seller encounters financial difficulties or other legal issues
3. Simplifying Future Transactions:
Facilitating Title Searches: When a memorandum is recorded, it shows up in title searches, which can simplify future transactions by making it clear that a contract for deed exists. This is particularly important if the buyer plans to sell or refinance the property before the contract for deed is fully executed.
4. Legal and Financial Considerations:
Ensuring Enforceability: Recording a memorandum can enhance the enforceability of the contract by ensuring that there is a documented and publicly accessible record of the buyer’s interest. Lender Requirements: Some lenders may require a memorandum of contract for deed to be recorded as part of their underwriting process. This can be important if either party needs financing based on their interest in the property.
5. Dispute Prevention:
Avoiding Future Disputes: By clearly documenting and recording the existence of the contract for deed, both parties can avoid potential disputes related to the buyer’s interest in the property. This clarity can be crucial in preventing legal conflicts down the line.
Situations When a Memorandum is Specifically Advised:
Long-Term Contracts for Deed: When the contract for deed has a long duration, it is especially important to record a memorandum to protect the buyer’s interest over time.
In cases where the transaction involves multiple parties or complex terms, a memorandum helps clarify the buyer’s interest and can simplify the resolution of any issues that might arise.
File the notarized memorandum with the county clerk’s office where the property is located. Pay any applicable recording fees.
In conclusion, recording a memorandum of contract for deed is a crucial step in protecting the buyer’s interest in the property. It provides public notice, helps prevent disputes, and ensures enforceability. By following the outlined steps, buyers can safeguard their investments and facilitate smoother future transactions.
Important: Your property must be located in Tompkins County to use these forms. Documents should be recorded at the office below.
This Memorandum of Contract for Deed meets all recording requirements specific to Tompkins County.
Our Promise
The documents you receive here are guaranteed to meet or exceed the applicable Tompkins County recording format requirements. If there is a rejection caused by our formatting, we will correct the issue or refund your payment. This guarantee applies to document formatting only and does not extend to information entered by the user, the selection of the form, or the legal effect of the completed document.
Save Time and Money
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