Basics A: Land Titles System of Registration

Question 1

Define: Torrens System

Answer 1

Method of keeping track of land ownership in Alberta

Question 2

What is the online system called for the LTO?

Answer 2

SPIN2

Question 3

Are original land titles held by owners or LTO?

Answer 3

All original land titles are held at the LTO

Question 4

What are the 3 principles of the Torrens System?

Answer 4

1. The Mirror Principle
2. The Curtain Principle
3. The Insurance Principle

Question 5

Define: Mirror Principle

Answer 5

Current title accurately reflects (mirrors) facts (name of owner, estate, encumbrances, etc.)

Question 6

Define: Curtain Principle

Answer 6

A “curtain” is brought down on all past dealings
(All past dealings are ignored/forgotten about)

Question 7

Define: Insurance Principle

Answer 7

LTO maintains Assurance Fund to compensate a person who has had rights to land taken away (unless it was acquired by fraud)

Question 8

Mirror Principle + Curtain Principle = _______

Answer 8

Indefeasibility of Title

Question 9

Define: Indefeasibility of Title

Answer 9

Once current owner has title in their name, it cannot be defeated
Exception: If current owner is guilty of fraud

Question 10

What does LTO issue to documents upon registration?

Answer 10

Registration number
(consecutive, can determine what was registered first)

Question 11

Should encumbrances be registered on Title?

Answer 11

Yes, in order to give notice to others that it exists legally

Question 12

Define: Encumbrance / Interest / Lien

Answer 12

Any claim, lien, charge, or interest attached to and binding real property

Question 13

Encumbrances registered by LTO are binding on all _______ owners

Answer 13

Subsequent

Question 14

What does it mean to be “binding on all subsequent owners”?

Answer 14

Any future owners are bound by registered encumbrance

Question 15

What are 5 types of encumbrances?

Answer 15

1. Caveat
2. Easement
3. Restrictive Covenant
4. Encroachment
5. Mortgage