Proposed Regulation to accelerate the granting of property titles under the Title Clearance Program of the Puerto Rico Department of Housing
Comment period from May 23, 2023 to June 21, 2023.
Program for households lacking clear title for their properties at any of the 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico.
The Government of Puerto Rico, through the Department of Housing, is proud to introduce the Title Clearance Program financed with funds assigned by the Department of Housing and Urban Development of the United States (HUD), which will provide assistance for households lacking clear title for their properties.
Property Title
It is the set of rights to a property in which one party may have a real or personal interest. Also, it can be a document that serves as evidence of ownership, such as the title certificate issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Housing in cases where a participant acquires a property from the Department.
Priorities for the first 90 days of the Program:
- Households that experienced challenges receiving federal assistance due to lack of clear title
- Elderly persons
- Households that occupy PRDOH-owned land
All, of low- to moderate-income.
Benefits of registering titles with the Property Register
a. Ownership of the property is credited and protected from third parties that resort to legal or other methods to try and make the property their own.
b. You can apply for loans or credit for improvements to the property at banks and financial institutions.
c. An increase in the value of property is more likely.
d. Facilitates the transfer of property in cases were sales are desirable.
e. Ensures that everyone recognizes who is the owner of the land and structure.
f. Reduces risk of another person taking ownership of the property. Not registering exposes you to the risk of having someone other than you appear as owner.
g. Provides protection by the courts.
h. Anyone that wishes to buy the property will have all necessary information to make a determination in this regard, thus facilitating its transfer.
Required Documents:
Only one document is required per category, except if stated otherwise.
OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION
- Government-issued photo ID (federal or stateside)
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Military Identification
- Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Residence Card
PROOF OF PRIMARY RESIDENCE
- 2017 Federal income tax return
- 2017 Puerto Rico income tax return
- FEMA IA award letter
- SBA Disaster Home Loan award letter
- Utility bills
- Credit card bill or bank statement
- Homestead exemption for property tax
- Insurance documentation indicating primary residence
- Paystubs
PROOF OF INCOME
- Last three (3) paystubs
- Benefits letter from Social Security
- Retirement benefits letter
- Most recent tax return
- Current lease agreements
- Unemployment benefits letter
- Court ordered alimony/spousal maintenance
- Taxable interests and dividends
- Other documents will be accepted on a case by case basis
EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP CLAIM
- Will accompanied with a Certificate of Validity;
- Declaration of Heirship;
- Court order or judgment granting an ownership interest in the property;
- Divorce Judgment granting an ownership interest in the property;
- Private Contract for Sale;
- Evidence of Usufruct contract;
- Proof that the applicant occupies the land with “right of use or enjoyment” and/or “right of construction” in accordance with applicable laws and regulations;
- Death and Birth certificates;
- Marriage certificate;
- FEMA correspondence demonstrating you received assistance for the property;
- Mortgage payment book or other mortgage documents;
- Real property/Home insurance policy indicating property address; and/or
- Property tax statements, receipts, or tax bill.
- Other documents will be considered on a case by case basis.
YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO THIS PROGRAM EVEN IF YOU HAVE BEEN
DENIED BY FEMA OR OTHER SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE.
GUIDANCE AND HELP
- Title Specialists at the Department of Housing’s Regional Offices providing guidance and assisting with applications when the Program begins.
- Those people who cannot leave their homes for health reasons (for health conditions or because of physical disability) and who do not have internet access or family support, will receive assistance from Title Specialists in their homes.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Homeowners (or those that consider having rights over a property) of dwellings located on private property or publicly owned land, that had possession or occupied it as their principal residence at the time of Hurricanes Irma and/or María and that qualify as low- to moderate-income under HUD requirements, as well as comply with the income requirements established in local laws for properties built on land owned by PRDOH or any other public instrumentality.
OPTIONS TO APPLY
Call 1-833-234-CDBG or
1-833-234-2324 for a visit.
By visiting one of the
Department of Housing’s Regional Offices
REGIONAL OFFICES
Aguadilla, PR
Ave. Severiano Cuevas #30 Alto
Aguadilla
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
(787) 274-2527 Ext. 2921
VIEW MAP
Arecibo, PR
Ave. Constitución, Calle 65 de Infantería
Sect. La Herradura (El Cotto)
Arecibo
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
(787) 274-2527 Ext. 2526
VIEW MAP
Bayamón, PR
Calle Isabel II Anexo a Casa Alcaldía
Hospital Health Center Bayamón Piso 2
Bayamón
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
(787) 274-2527 Ext. 2021
VIEW MAP
Caguas, PR
Centro Gubernamental Calle Goyco
Esq. Acosta, Piso 5
Caguas
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
(787) 274-2527 Ext. 2721
VIEW MAP
Carolina, PR
Carolina Shopping Court, Local #14
Ave. 65 de Infantería
Carolina
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
(787) 274-2527 Ext. 2111
VIEW MAP
Guayama, PR
Estacionamiento Municipal San Cristóbal
Calle Enrique González
Guayama
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
(787) 274-2527 Ext. 2951
VIEW MAP
Humacao, PR
Ave. Nicanor Vazquez
Boulevard del Rio Office Torre Núm. 2
Humacao
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
(787) 274-2527 Ext. 2613
VIEW MAP
Mayagüez, PR
Vista Verde Office Plaza
Carr. #2, Suite 108
Mayagüez
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
(787) 274-2527 Ext. 2807
VIEW MAP
Ponce, PR
Calle Cristina Núm. 36
Ponce
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
(787) 274-2527 Ext. 2312
VIEW MAP
San Juan, PR
606 Ave. Barbosa
Edificio Juan C. Cordero Dávila
San Juan
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm
(787) 274-2527 Ext. 5154, 5168
