How to check property ownership?
And avoid loosing your deposit
Amina Ermilate
Last Update 4 years ago
Before arranging the payment of any deposit, you need to ascertain the ownership of the property. It is a prescribed step you should undertake as per the Estate Agency Authority guidance. If the contact person is a representative of the landlord, you need to make sure the authorization letter is drafted by the landlord.
Ordering a land record is very easy, it can be done online and cost HK$10 only.
Please follow our step by step guide:
1. Visit The Land Registry > Go to Search Land Register on the left-hand column;
2. Check the following option > Ad hoc User and then enter the characters > hit Continue
3. Enter the property address in section I.
4. Select an option in Block List
5. Select the land register that matches the address you look for.
> For the Type of Enquiry, choose Current
> For Nature/ No. of Copies: Leave Plain and 1
> Hit Add and go to order list
6. Select a delivery method ( we suggest By E-mail (PDF)) and hit Continue
7. Enter the details and follow the instructions
Once you receive your land record, you can find many useful details in there. Under OWNERSHIP PARTICULAR section, the name of the current landlord is stated next to the MEMORIAL NO. If you want to learn more about land record interpretation, you can visit the website of Estate Agency Authority
How to find the landlord's HK ID?
You will need to order a memorial document online at the cost of HK$100.
1. Copy the Memorial No. that you can find next to the owner name in the land record
2. Visit The Land Registry > Go to Order Land Document
3. Check the following option > Ad hoc User > Enter the characters > Hit Continue
4. On the Order Land Document page, choose
> Type of Documents: Memorial and enter the Memorial No. you find in the land record
5. Select Memorial Form and keep Plain for the Nature ( keep copy at 1)
6. Select the Delivery Method and follow the instruction
7. You should find the HK ID of the landlord on the document.
For very old documents or properties, you will not find a HK ID but a signature as it was the way we used to identify person during the old day. In any doubt, you should seek for legal advice.
You can always contact you if you have any question, we will be happy to assist. You can whatsapp us
Good luck!
Amina Ermilate
Estate Agent
License E-405829
Visit directowner-property.com
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only. In case of doubt during the tenancy process, you should seek for legal advice.