Is an encumbrance the same as a lien?

A lien is a legal right or interest of a creditor in the property of another, usually lasting until a debt or duty is satisfied. An encumbrance is a claim or liability attached to property. It includes any property right that is not an ownership interest. A lien is a type of encumbrance.

How do I do a title search in Ontario?

The OnLand application acts as a “virtual Land Registry Office” (LRO), where you can search or browse land registry records in the Ontario Land Registration system. You can search for historical books, documents and property title records in any LRO, for viewing or download.

Who holds legal title?

A legal title refers to the responsibilities and duties the owner has in maintaining, using, and controlling a property. Legal title is the actual ownership of the property. The documented name of the property owner, as visible through the public records, typically describes the person with legal title.

How do you find out if there is a lien on a property in Ontario?

You can reach the ServiceOntario contact centre at:

  1. Toronto: 416-325-8847.
  2. Toll-free: 1-800-267-8847.
  3. Toronto TTY : 416-325-3408.
  4. Toll-free TTY : 1-800-268-7095.

Can anyone do a title search in Ontario?

All private property ownership records in Ontario are registered with the government. Anyone can search for land records.

How do I remove encumbrances?

Encumbrances may be removed by replotting property lines, paying off a lien, or could be excused. The document to remove an encumbrance is called a reconveyance deed. The reconveyance deed conveys a clear title to the property owner.

What does it mean if a property is encumbered?

An encumbrance is a claim against a property by a party that is not the owner. An encumbrance can impact the transferability of the property and restrict its free use until the encumbrance is lifted. The most common types of encumbrance apply to real estate; these include mortgages, easements, and property tax liens.

How long does a lien stay on your property in Ontario?

In Ontario, liens are only valid for 90 days from the date of last on site working. If your customer refuses to pay within the first 30-60 days, legal action or collections may be an additional action you want to take to help enforce your lien.

How do I find a lien on a property?

In most states, you can typically search by address with the county recorder, clerk, or assessor’s office online. The search for liens is free, though you may have to pay a small fee for a copy of the report, which will vary by county.

What is a lien on a title?

A lien is an important document in a title search because a lien clouds your title. In order to sell or mortgage a piece of property, you must have a clean title, meaning one that is not encumbered by a lien. Therefore, knowing if you have any liens on a piece of property can be important information to know.

How do I do a title search for a property?

Visit the county recorder’s website. After you have gathered all of the important information about the property you will be conducting a title search for, you will visit the county recorder’s website for the county where the property is located. To find your county recorder’s website, click on this public records website.

Is a title one of the documents when buying a property?

With that said, a “title” will not be one of the documents you find. A property title is a comprehensive term referring to the legal rights an individual has to the property in question. Having title to a piece of property means you have ownership rights over that property and you can choose to do what you want with it.