Parcel register (land title)

A buyer of a business that owns its premises can read the parcel register to see what is registered against the property. Ontario’s land registry holds official records of ownership and other legal interests such as mortgages, transfers and leases. See whether you can require your lawyer to sign off on title before closing.

What the Act provides

Section 141(5) of the Land Titles Act requires the land registrar to create and maintain, in the required manner, an index in automated form known as the parcel register, and to enter every instrument that affects a property under the property identifier assigned to it. Section 141 applies only to land in the parts of Ontario designated under Part II of the Land Registration Reform Act.

What to check

• Who the registered owner is, and whether it is the seller or the seller’s company
• Which charges and other instruments are registered, and which will be discharged at closing
• Whether a notice of lease is registered

This entry covers Ontario only; check the rules in the province where the property is. For British Columbia and Alberta, see title search.