Legal Definitions - Registry of deeds

A Registry of Deeds is a local government office responsible for maintaining public records of real estate transactions and interests within its jurisdiction. This office serves as the official repository for documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements, which establish ownership, encumbrances, and rights related to land and property. By recording these documents, the Registry of Deeds provides a public record that helps ensure transparency, prevent fraud, and clarify property titles for buyers, sellers, lenders, and the general public.

• Example 1: Buying a New Home

  When a family purchases a new house, the legal document transferring ownership from the seller to the buyer is called a deed. After the sale is complete, this deed is taken to the local Registry of Deeds office and officially recorded. This recording makes the family's ownership of the property a matter of public record, protecting their rights and providing clear evidence of who legally owns the home.

• Example 2: Securing a Business Loan with Property

  A small business owner needs a loan to expand and offers their commercial property as collateral. The bank agrees, and a mortgage document is created, giving the bank a legal claim against the property if the loan isn't repaid. This mortgage document is then filed with the Registry of Deeds. By recording the mortgage, the bank establishes a public record of its interest in the property, which is crucial for its legal protection and for anyone else who might consider lending money against or buying that property in the future.

• Example 3: Establishing a Utility Easement

  A local power company needs to run new electrical lines across a corner of a private farm to serve a developing neighborhood. To do this legally, they obtain an easement from the farmer, which grants them the right to use that specific portion of the land for their utility lines without owning it. This easement document is then recorded at the Registry of Deeds. Recording the easement ensures that the power company's right to access and maintain the lines is legally recognized and binding on future owners of the farm, providing clarity for all parties involved.