Land is one of the most sought after assets since it appreciates quickly and there are endless possibilities that you can do when you have a piece of land with the Title Deed in your name. From building your future home to securing loans, owning land is an investment that pays offs.
The process of acquiring a piece of land is not easy though. You will go through many ups and downs before you can finally get your property. Not to mention, there’s a huge risk that you may be scammed so when the process is over and you can see the document with your name on it, it’s a huge relief.
When you purchase a piece of land, you get a title deed which shows that you’re the rightful owner of a particular property. This piece of paper is a valuable asset in any investment portfolio. Hence, people go above and beyond to ensure that it is safe. Some store their title deeds in the bank while others keep them in the darkest corner of their bedroom. Either way, every land owner knows the value that a title deed holds.
However, there’s always the possibility of losing your title deed no matter how well you secure it. It can be stolen, destroyed or misplaced. This can be a daunting experience especially when you don’t know what to do next, which most people don’t.
When you lose your title deed, you need to replace it as soon as possible. Here’s a guide on how you can replace a title deed in Kenya.
Requirements for replacing a title deed in Kenya
- Police abstract
- Duly filled application form
- Certified copies of the land owner’s ID card or passport
- Certified copies of Certificate of Registration or Incorporation (for companies)
- Resolution endorsing application for title deed replacement (for companies)
- Statutory declaration/ affidavit by the landowner/ company’s director
- Passport photos of land owner or person making the statutory declaration
- Official search validating the ownership of the property
- Payment receipt
Process for replacing a title deed in Kenya
- Visit the National Police Service website, click Downloads and select replace title deed. Alternatively, visit the nearest police station, make a report and get an abstract.
- Fill the required details and take it to the police station where an officer will be assigned to your case. The abstract should be accompanied with your original ID card and a copy of the title deed or the title number.
- After reporting to the police, head to the Registrar of Lands office and make an application to conduct an official search.
- You then need to make a statutory declaration explaining the circumstances in which the title deed was lost, stolen or destroyed.
- Pick the application form Form LRA 12 from the Lands office or visit the Lands website and select Form LRA 12 to download the application.
- Fill the application and sign before an Advocate. Attach the police abstract, certified copies of National ID card or passport, coloured passport photos, certified copies of Certificate of Registration or Incorporation (for companies), Resolution endorsing application for title deed replacement (for companies) and an official search.
- Pay the processing fee associated with replacing a lost title deed. It typically costs Ksh 3,000.
- After filing the application, the registrar will verify that the title deed is lost or destroyed then issue a gazette notice giving the public 60 days to raise objections. You need to pay a prescribed fee for the publication. It typically costs Ksh 3,400 for the gazette notice and Ksh 2,000 for the advertisement in the local dailies.
- After the 60 days, the registrar will confirm that the process was duly followed and if satisfied with the evidence, the registrar will issue a temporary certificate of title.
- The Land Registrar then enters the relevant entries the green card for a freehold title or white card for a leasehold title and issues a replacement of the title deed.
- In the event that the lost title deed is found, it should be taken to the Registrar of Lands for cancellation.
Note: it’s good practice to keep a few copies of your title deed in case you lose the original