I lost my diagram what do I do?

Good day, readers. This week, I will respond to another question from a reader.

Hello Craig,

I bought a plot of land in 2007 and up to the end of 2015, I did not get to look about the title as the owner said he was waiting for the okay from the Westmoreland Parish Council. The owner surveyed the land and gave me the diagram, but I have since misplaced it. Can you tell me if I can get a copy from the surveyor or do I have to get the property surveyed all over again?

- M.G.

Good day, M.G.,

First of all, in order for you to 'look about' the title, as you put it, you require specific documents.

From your statement that the owner is waiting for 'the okay' from the parish council, it would seem he is awaiting subdivision approval. Until you have that subdivision approval, you will not be able to acquire a certificate of title for the plot of land.

As to the diagram that you have misplaced, there are several possible ways of getting a copy that you will be able to be use to acquire the title.

First of all, the diagram has a statute of limitation of seven years, and after that time, the diagram needs to be redone or be recertified by a commissioned land surveyor, who will prepare what is called a declaration.

So if the survey is more than seven years old, you will need to go back to the surveyor to resurvey and prepare a new diagram to be approved by the National Land Agency (NLA), or you can have the surveyor verify the boundaries and prepare a surveyor's declaration.

If you choose to do the declaration, you will need a replacement certified copy of your previously approved diagram. This would have to be requested from the NLA's Survey and Mapping Division. That certified copy can be used in your title application.

I hope I have been able to assist you and I hope you will be able to make your title application soon.

Keep sending our questions and comments, and let's continue to explore A Matter of Land. Until next time, traverse well.

- Craig Francis

- Craig Francis is a commissioned land surveyor and managing director of Precision Surveying Services Ltd. He can be contacted for questions or queries at craig_r_francis@yahoo.com or Precision Surveying Services.