Understanding your Alberta Land Title Certificate

*This blog has been published for educational purposes only. ARC Surveys is not affiliated with the Alberta Land Titles Office. Should you need to make any changes to your Land Title Certificate, please contact the Alberta Land Titles office directly at 403-297-6511*

So you’ve just bought a property in Alberta, along with the excitement comes the responsibility of understanding what you truly own. Your Alberta Land Title Certificate is the key to unlocking this knowledge. This essential document serves as your official proof of ownership and reveals any interests registered on the property, ensuring a smooth and secure property ownership experience. You can easily obtain a copy of your Land Title Certificate online through the Alberta Land Titles website for a small fee. land title certificate

What is a Land Title Certificate?

Issued by the Alberta Land Titles Office, your certificate confirms you are the legal owner of the land parcel. The certificate details the property’s legal description, including its unique identifier and physical location. More importantly, it reveals any registered interests on the property, such as mortgages, easements, or liens.

Understanding the Key Elements:

While the format may vary slightly, most Land Title Certificates will include the following sections:

  1. Land Identification Number (LINC): This unique identifier acts like a social insurance number for your property.
  2. Short Legal Description: This provides a concise description of the property’s location using a meridian, range, township, and section system.
  3. Title Number: This is another unique identifier for your specific land title.
  4. Estate Held: This section clarifies the type of ownership, such as sole ownership or joint tenancy.
  5. Registered Interests: This is the most crucial section, outlining any claims or limitations on the property’s ownership. Commonly found registered interests include:
    • Mortgage: If you have a mortgage on your property, it will be registered here, showing the lender’s claim on the title.
    • Easement: An easement grants specific rights to another party to use a portion of your land, such as a shared driveway.
    • Lien: A lien is a legal claim against the property, often due to unpaid taxes or contractor fees.

Why is it Important to Understand your Land Title Certificate?

A clear understanding of your Land Title Certificate empowers you as a homeowner. The certificate is your legal proof of ownership, a vital document when selling, refinancing, or resolving property disputes. Registered interests like mortgages or liens can impact your ability to sell or borrow against your property. Knowing these beforehand allows for informed decision-making. Understanding the details on your title certificate provides peace of mind, knowing there are no unexpected claims on your property.

Types of Alberta Land Title Certificates

  • Certificate of Title: This is the most common type, signifying the most comprehensive form of ownership in Alberta. When you possess a Certificate of Title, you own the land “outright”. Your ownership extends from the surface of the land down to the earth’s core, granting you control over any resources or minerals found below. Within the limitations set by zoning bylaws, you have the freedom to build on the land, modify existing structures, or landscape the property as you see fit.
  • Certificate of Leasehold Title: This applies if you own a leasehold property, where you own the building but not the land itself (common for condos). This certificate confirms your ownership of the specific condo unit within the larger building complex. You own the interior walls, fixtures, and personal space within your unit.
  • Mobile Home Certificate of Title: Issued for ownership of a mobile home on leased land. The certificate confirms your ownership of the mobile home itself, including its structure and any permanent fixtures. However this certificate won’t encompass ownership of the land.

Conclusion

Understanding your Land Title Certificate equips you with the knowledge to confidently manage your property. Keep your certificate in a safe place and refer to it whenever you have questions about the ownership status of your Alberta property. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a real estate lawyer if you have any complex questions regarding your specific Land Title Certificate. Should you need help acquiring more detailed information, then a Real Property Report or Property Line Survey may be what you need next. Click HERE to get a free quote, give us a call 780-800-1260 or send us at email at info@arcsurveys.ca

 This blog has been published for educational purposes only. ARC Surveys is not affiliated with the Alberta Land Titles Office. Should you need to make any changes to your Land Title Certificate, please contact the Alberta Land Titles office directly at 403-297-6511*