EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These rules make amendments to the Land Registration Rules (Northern Ireland) 1994 in order to facilitate the use of electronic communication and prescribe revised forms for applications for first registration with a qualified title and a possessory title.

The Schedule to the Rules—

a

Inserts definitions into Rule 2(1) (Interpretation).

b

Substitutes a new subparagraph (c) into Rule 11(1), which relates to applications for first registration.

c

Amends Rule 31 to permit applicants for registration to apply to be authorised as users of the Land Registry direct access service and prescribes conditions attaching to the use of that system for electronic applications for registration.

d

Deletes Rule 32, which relates to orders for production of certificates.

e

Amends Rule 66 in order to simplify applications for registration of money charges.

f

Amends Rules 120 and 121 to permit the Registrar to issue electronic land certificates and certificates of charge, unless a registered owner requests a paper certificate, and provides for the form of such certificates.

g

Amends Rule 128 to provide that it shall not be necessary for applications for registration, other than in respect of notices of deposit, to be accompanied by a certificate of title and makes a consequential amendment to Rule 138.

h

Deletes Rule 134, which relates to the record of replacement certificates.

i

Deletes paragraph (3) of Rule 136, which relates to the lodgement of certificates.

j

Amends the procedure for the registration of notices of deposit of certificates (Rule 137) and substitutes a new application form (Form 73).

k

Amends Rule 138 as a consequence of the amendment of Rule 128.

l

Amends Rule 149 to take account of the computerisation of the registry map.

m

Amends Rule 209(2)(f) so as to simplify applications for registration of money charges on the Statutory Charges Register.

n

Replaces Forms 2 and 3, which relate to applications for first registration, with new Forms 2, 3 and 3A.

o

Deletes Forms 28, 29, 30 and 31 which relate to charges.

p

Replaces Form 73, which relates to notice of deposit of a land certificate or a certificate of charge for the purpose of giving security for payment of money, with a new Form 73.