Property
Dual registration under the RPA and the older common-law deeds system
Trinidad and Tobago runs two parallel systems: land brought under the Real Property Act holds a certificate of title with Torrens-style protection, while older land remains under common-law conveyancing recorded by deed at the Registrar General. Which system applies determines the searches required and the strength of the buyer's position. The Land Tribunal, established under the Land Tribunal Act 2000, hears land disputes.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National; Registrar General for deeds and RPA titles
- Deadline — Stamp duty: assessed and paid before registration of the instrument
- Deadline — Caveat under the RPA: lapses unless supported by proceedings within the notice period
Governing law
- Real Property Act, Chap. 56:02
- Registration of Deeds Act
- Land Tribunal Act 2000
- Land Acquisition Act 1994
In practice
For unregistered common-law land the buyer takes only what the vendor can prove through the chain of deeds, so a full title search going back many years is unavoidable, whereas an RPA certificate can largely be relied on. Converting common-law land to the RPA is possible and is often done before a sale, because it materially reduces the buyer's investigation and cost.