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Table of Contents
The Land Titles Act
Scope & Application
- The Land Titles Act (LTA) governs land registration in Ontario, ensuring secure ownership and dispute resolution.
- Applies to designated parts of Ontario via land titles divisions, which remain unchanged by electoral/municipal boundary adjustments (s. 4).
- The Director of Land Registration oversees land registry offices (s. 8).
Types of Titles
- Absolute Title: Grants fee simple ownership, free from encumbrances (s. 45).
- Qualified Title: Includes exceptions (e.g., unresolved claims) noted in the register (s. 37).
- Possessory Title: Protects against adverse possession claims; allows upgrades to absolute/qualified titles (s. 47).
Registration Process
- First Registration: Requires title examination, notice to interested parties, and Director of Titles approval (s. 41).
- Amendments: Entries corrected for errors (e.g., misdescriptions, fraud) or legal changes (s. 75).
- Fee Records: All fees/instruments must be recorded in approved formats (s. 7).
Transfers & Charges
- Transfers: Registered owners may transfer land; transferees gain rights subject to registered encumbrances (s. 87).
- Charges: Mortgages/liens require registration. Chargees with a power of sale may register land sales (s. 99).
- Leasehold Interests: Registered leasehold land must meet criteria (e.g., no prohibitions on alienation) (s. 38).
Easements & Encumbrances
- Easements are registered per the Director’s requirements (s. 39).
- Encumbrances (e.g., taxes, liens) are noted on the register (s. 106).
Fraud & Error Remedies
- Land Titles Assurance Fund: Compensates individuals wrongfully deprived of land due to fraud/errors (s. 57).
- Fraudulent instruments may trigger deletions from the register (s. 80).
Special Provisions
- Adverse Possession: Prohibited for land under the LTA (s. 51).
- Language Requirements: Non-English instruments require certified translations (s. 84).
- Land Surveys: The Director may mandate surveys for title accuracy (s. 56).
For specific scenarios (e.g., condominium easements, leasehold upgrades), consult detailed sections (e.g., s. 40 for condos).
