Proof that I own the house?

Housing

I recently closed on my house. I was assuming my lawyer would give me a deed to the property or something like that, but he called me on the day of closing, told me everything went through and gave me the lock box key.

Is that it? I have the mortgage approval letter but I have no other document that shows that I own the home.

Edit: The reason I want this proof is because I didn't see any mailbox key when I got the house. The seller has been extremely difficult to work with and communicate with since they don't live in the country anymore. I was planning on going to Canada Post and ask them if my house has a community mailbox. If there is, I'd want to request a new key. But I'm assuming they'd want some kind of proof that I own the house. I'll email my lawyer today to see if there is anything he can send.

Update: Thank you for the comments! I called Canada Post. They said they'll re-key the mailbox and put a delivery request on my door to collect the keys. The rep wasn't very sure but he said I can bring the mortgage documents and the purchase agreement for proof and that it should be good enough.

in ontarioby dracarys104

112

88%

2mo

ItchyWaffle

170

2mo

Pretty much, with the property title in your name, it's all yours. I believe you can request a physical copy of said title via your real-estate lawyer, but the official data is stored in the land property records database.

Puzzleheaded-Day-281

2mo

I asked my lawyer for one, and he just said no. He said it's not really a thing anymore and you dont get a "deed" or anything like that anymore

ItchyWaffle

2mo

He's not wrong, it's a title, and it's essentially digital.

powerofmateo

2mo

He is wrong. There is an electronic document that is the Transfer/Deed. OP will likely get a copy of this in a week or two, as any good lawyer will send a post-closing report with copies of the signed closing documentation and registered Transfer/Deed.

Source: worked in real estate law.

Figure_1337

2mo

When? In Ontario?

I’ve never seen a deed or heard of a physical deed in any realty transaction in my memory.

I’ve bought multiple houses, friends, family, businesses… never seen a deed or heard anyone who had one.

powerofmateo

2mo

It's registered online, but you can certainly print a copy of the electronic document. The document is called a Transfer/Deed of Land.

This is a blank template:

https://files.ontario.ca/transfer_-_deed_of_land.pdf

rootsandchalice

2mo

I have purchased three houses in Ontario in my lifetime so far and all of them had a physical deed. Two were given to me at the time of closing and the last one a few years ago was given to me by mail about two weeks later.

Figure_1337

2mo

Buck wild. lol

Foehamer1

2mo

To be fair unless you paid in cash, you're just renting to own from the bank. They're the ones who actually technically own your house lol.

RichardMuncherIII

2mo

So if house doubles in value who realizes that gain?

powerofmateo

2mo

He's a lazy lawyer. It is most definitely a thing. Your lawyer can pull a copy of the electronically registered Transfer/Deed at any time. However, it does cost about $40.

Your lawyer should have sent you a post-closing report with copies of all signed closing documentation (both from you and the seller), and registered Transfer/Deed and Mortgage.

Loud-Selection546

2mo

Absolutely correct. I am closing on a property in Tuesday, I already signed all the paperwork and had the transfer deed already prepared

CagaliYoll

2mo

PM me your address and email. I'll look it up for you. I'm a surveyor, and pulling legal property descriptions is a common part of my job.

The other comments are correct though. They no longer issue deeds because titles are defined by parts on plans these days. However your real estate lawyer should have a copy of the transfer document.

ItchyWaffle

2mo

I'm not OP :) Repost your comment as a top level reply and he/she will see it.

m-hog

2mo

RIP to your inbox, kind stranger.

Affectionate-Fig7845

17d

Hi, I pulled my house title from Ontario Parcel Register and it confirms my name as one of the owners. Should I still request a copy from the lawyer to confirm? The house was trasnferred to my name in 2022 but the 2024 property tax bill still shows previous owner (my dad) under "Owner" and my name to the right under "assessed Owner". Shouldn't It have changed by now?

Gunslinger7752

240

2mo

Check your house’s glove box, ownership and insurance should be in there.

Key_Swordfish_4662

2mo

Yeah, mine was jammed back there behind all the extra napkins and straws

furrywalls300

2mo

You guys have wheelie houses too eh?

scraphppy

2mo

Help! We’ve just bought a brand new house. Can’t find the glove box anywhere. What should we do. /s

Edit: adding /s because I assumed people would not need to be told this was sarcasm.

musecorn

2mo

Call your local mechanic and ask if they do house calls

tailgunner777

2mo

Check the coal chute too.

User deleted comment

2mo

Northern_Special

2mo

Most lawyers don't get an updated PIN after closing.

CanaCavy

2mo

Really? Ontario is wild! How does the buyer's repake sure all of the seller's charges have been removed from title etc? We do at least one post-closing title search, and we always send an updated state of title certificate to the client after registration goes final.

papuadn

2mo

Usually the receipted instrument is sent on closing and the purchaser's lawyer has the responsibility to ensure it's registered. The vendor's lawyer is entitled to rely on the purchaser's lawyer for that.

The purchaser's lawyer can double check registration status any time. Usually they just use the receipted copy if everything went as normal since it's the same save for that one word.

Proof of a mortgage discharge is always sent once registered but the lender is the discharging entity. Private lenders usually just acknowledge payment, send the receipted instrument discharge and that's it. Banks will wait until registration is confirmed and send that to the vendor's lawyer, who sends it to the purchaser's lawyer.

Other instruments can usually be discharged or dealt with before close or an undertaking is given.

Northern_Special

2mo

Is there a way to check registration status without incurring costs?

papuadn

2mo

I believe ONLAND can verify registration of an instrument number without charging a fee but we're outside of business hours so I couldn't check (website's only available 9-5 because that's when the registry database is open; after hours it's more locked up for a variety of policy and technical reasons).

I don't know if there's a fee associated with viewing a parcel register in person at the correct LRO; I've never had to do it nor spoken with anyone who has in the last ten years or so. That might be free.

Northern_Special

2mo

That's actually a really nice idea, but how do you know the last transfer is going to be certified by the time you pull the new PIN? Timing can really vary for a certification and I wouldn't want to incur additional costs by searching it too early.

Seller's lawyer must send a copy of the registered Discharge to confirm any mortgage has been discharged.

superflex

2mo

The Ontario Land Registry system is 100% digital. You could request paper documentation through your lawyer or through one of Teranet's public access services, but that paper is just a copy and would never be considered an official record.

The electronic land registry is the authoritative source.

Sunnywithachance099

2mo

You don't get a deed but we, even after covid, always got a package with copies of the documentation a few weeks after closing.

iamPendergast

2mo

It's an email these days. Look at everything you got carefully and you should have a closing report that describes Title. Just ask for it from the lawyer if you can't see it. You should also create a municipal tax account online.

HapticRecce

2mo

There's no, say frame-able deed per se. Your lawyer's closing documents package will include papers including the formal designation for the property and copies of any registration document (along with their bill 😆)

Records are searchable here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/search-land-property-records

And register for your account here to see tax assessment info, etc: https://www.mpac.ca/en

scrubadubdub-

2mo

After the records go through with the municipality you’ll get an email from the lawyer. It takes a few weeks. You’ll also get your property tax paperwork that will have that info. Is there a reason you need it urgently? I’ve never been asked for anything but my tax assessment number.

dracarys104

2mo

The seller has been very difficult to work with and communicate (they don't live in the country). I didn't see a mailbox key anywhere when I got the house. I'm planning on going to Canada Post and asking them if my house has a community box and if it, to find new keys. But I'm assuming they'd want some proof that I own the home.

RAT-LIFE

2mo

They don’t find you new keys, they just re-key your box and leave you two keys at your address. They don’t do anything in real time, you ask and they’ll do it within a few days.

I’ve lost my keys like 4 times in the last 8 years, process is super easy you can even just call them.

dracarys104

2mo

Thanks! This is really helpful. I have been quite worried that I might not receive my mail for a while.

MooseOutMyWindow

2mo

Go online and get it rekeyed. Super simple.

RAT-LIFE

2mo

You got it man, don’t stress it’s all pretty easy. Best of luck and congrats on the new house!

scrubadubdub-

2mo

As soon as you change your license this is all the proof you need and you can use any of the documents from your lawyer like the purchase and sale agreement or your mortgage docs to do this. You very rarely need proof of ownership for anything, just proof of residence.

Ok_Morning947

2mo

Your lawyer should be sending a report with a copy of the transfer (deed) and charge (mortgage) after closing. If they don’t they’re not a great lawyer.

OrbAndSceptre

2mo

Change the door locks to your new house asap. Don’t trust that you have all the keys to your front door. Congrats on the house purchase.

dracarys104

2mo

Yep that's on my To-Do list for this weekend.

Northern_Special

2mo

You will get a reporting letter eventually (these are sometimes slow - 6months to a year) but you can email your lawyer and ask them to email you a copy of the Transfer.

DisastrousAttempt0

2mo

Moce into my place, I show the Canada Post office my mortgage information an property tax bill with our name on it an they gave me the key an box information.

They will suggest changing the lock for ur mail box, an no charge to you to do this.

GreatKangaroo

2mo

Every time I have closed on a property (3x now) a month or so after closing i get a big envelope of papers from my lawyer with all of the closing documents and whatnot.

The ownership/title is registered with the city I should think.

suzyturnovers

2mo

Call your lawyer's office and ask. You've paid them for assisting in the process of buying a home, you have every right to ask a clarifying question.

somethingmoronic

2mo

Pretty sure that usually you have an agreement of purchase and sale.

dracarys104

2mo

I do have that but I don't think that'll be enough proof that I own the property. A lot could have happened between that agreement and closing.

somethingmoronic

2mo

You could reach out to the municipality, they should have you on record as the owner. You could also get a new driver's license issued for future stuff, but you likely need the key to receive it, so I know that doesn't help much now.

Honestly, you sound call Canada Post, they should be able to tell you what they need from you as the old owner didn't give you a key.

Stoney_the_Bear420

2mo

IF there is a community mailbox, anytime someone moves Canada Post will send someone to change the mailbox lock and will provide new keys. No charge, standard procedure, but you will need to go to the post office with a new license slip or something showing the new address. No proof of ownership is needed. I just went through the same thing with my difficult seller and found this out on my own

Edit to add - We received our Title documents via e-mail from the Lawyer, a couple months after taking possession.. We live in Ontario

FearlessTomatillo911

2mo

Your municipal tax and utility bill is a paper record that is as good as a proof of ownership, but there is no physical title.

No_Spell5819

2mo

You will get all closing documents either by email, registered mail, or pick up at your lawyers office. It is also registered with land registry. All documents including breakdown of lawyer bill should be in your possession within days of closing

OrneryPathos

2mo

You can use your mortgage statement or a bill as proof of residency to request keys to your community mailbox

Which is good because I’m not sure how you’d update your ID without access to your mail.

Content_Ad_8952

2mo

Good question. I own a condo, but don't have any document that I proves I actually own it. (Or maybe I do and I just lost it). Though I do have bank statements that show my mortgage is in my name. I assume that would be proof enough.

tinkymyfinky

2mo

It depends on the lawyer you work with - but that’s more or less it. My lawyer did print off all signed documents and gave them to us after the transfers were completed.

But yeah, it’s pretty anti climactic

arkjoker

2mo

When I closed on mine, my lawyer gave me a thick bound book containing everything related to the purchase such as floorplans, copies of my deposits, ownership details, all the legal mumbo jumbo, as well as everything I had signed.

brzeczyszczykowna

2mo

Your purchase agreement documents are your proof for all kinds of places, property taxes, utilities and requesting the key

Wonderful__

2mo

My lawyer mailed me all the documents that included title transfers a week after closing.

For the Canada Post mailbox, that was attached to a set of keys I received. Did you ask your lawyer about the document and CP key?

wglenburnie

2mo

Just have your lawyer contact the sellers lawyer for the mailbox key. I'm sure the two can resolve it. That is why they are being paid.

inc_mplete

2mo

You should also purchase title insurance for extra protection.

dracarys104

2mo

Title Insurance is mandatory if you're getting a mortgage.

inc_mplete

2mo

Many mortgage lenders do require it. But when you're mortgage free it is not mandatory but still better to keep.

dracarys104

2mo

Good point. It's super cheap too so there's no reason not to have it

No_Bass_9328

2mo

My last purchase and sale documents I rec'd a binder about 1 inch thick full of documents about the due diligence with all the municipal folk amd utilities, fund distributions, title insurance, affidavits blah blah. Didn't seem to be much left to chance.

Hopeful_Bad_5941

2mo

I received my deed/transfer of ownership copy from the lawyer about 3 weeks after closing. It takes a bit for everything to be processed and finalized before you will get a copy.

519EOG_1979

2mo

lol I was like that my first house I expected an ownership like a vehicle or something. Nope just a stack of papers and some contract with the bank signing my life away.

Other-Negotiation328

2mo

Depending on where you live, small town vs big city it may differ.

We just bought our first house not that long ago.

Closing we signed stacks and stacks of paper but didn't really get much for it.

Later on I received a letter from my lawyer with the title and all kinds of info in a beautiful leather covered book/package they put together for me.

It included old surveys, some kind of property line insurance clause and a lot of really cool stuff. This was in a small town where the lawyers father sold my parents first house, and sold his firm off to his son who then helped my parents buy their property they are on now, who laughed when I walked in off the street not knowing who he was to buy this place.

what_in_theworld

2mo

Its no longer called a Deed (and forgive me I did not read all of the comments) it is now called a Transfer. Since you bought the property your lawyer needs to provide the Transfer to you (which in most cases is all done online now so they have it electronically) How else can you let the City know you own the property so you can start paying land taxes?

Your lawyer is also required to report to you. Now most lawyers are behind on reporting. But at some point, you should have all of the documents you signed, all of the accounting documents the registered transfer, and the registered mortgage.

miggsey_

2mo

Have your realtor contact the other realtor for the key info. We had our realtor follow up with a few things for us after closing, we couldn’t find the garage opener!

dracarys104

2mo

Ugh their realtor and lawyer have been horrible. They never respond. And even if they do, it's weeks after we ask a question. I'm guessing it's the seller that's the problem and that's why they don't respond promptly, but who knows.

miggsey_

2mo

Oh that’s brutal! I’m so sorry. Realistically the realtor should want to help you (for a good review) but so brutal it’s been such a hassle and frustrating process. I’d definitely reach out to Canada post to make an inquiry or find the process for your mail. Hopefully they’ll be kinder and more helpful. My mum had a good experience with their customer service recently, so fingers crossed for you too!

Official_Gh0st

2mo

They don’t give out deeds anymore. Besides, do you actually “own” the house or does the bank?

crow13x13

2mo

You can get something from the tax department of the town u live in that's what I did.

Zealousbroker

2mo

You can go and request your property title from your township. I think it's called a pin? Idk I got mine after I closed just to ensure the name was changed. Basically the township will update their records to show you own the property. If you get the property tax info sent and addressed to you, you can be assured it's in your name

majorkev

2mo

Ask your lawyer to provide you with the updated PIN. It costs them $35. Heck, I'll do it for you for $40.

vpasqua

2mo

I work for a law firm. You should receive a report letter from the firm that closed your deal and it will include all relevant docs like your statement of adjustments/registered deed/docs you or the vendor signed/mortgage docs etc. you can always just ask for the deed if that’s what you want but I would definitely follow up on the report letter if you haven’t received it yet. Sometimes firms can be behind on reports as they aren’t priority especially once the deal is closed.

trytobuffitout

2mo

BTW You will get the deed later , in a few weeks from your lawyer. Your home insurance documents will work as well . I just went through this

Emotional_Guide2683

2mo

You should have a signed and dated “Agreement of Purchase and Sale” (APS). That should suffice for most proof needs.

Green-Thumb-Jeff

2mo

If you have a mortgage on the property then the lender holds the title/deed till the mortgage is paid in full.

BaconBoss1

2mo

Just be patient. Call the township to double check

FuqqTrump

-1

2mo

You don't own that house, the bank you owe the mortgage to owns it.

north40cr

2mo

Do you own the house, or you just own a mortgage? Until you pay off your mortgage, the bank owns you and the house.

dracarys104

2mo

Lol fair enough

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