Guide to Land Charges

Local Land Charges were created to ensure that purchasers of land and property could be aware of any restriction or obligation created by the Local Authority, which was enforceable against successive owners. Various changes in statute led to the Local Land Charges Act 1975 and the Local Land Charges Rules 1977, (both coming into effect on 1st August 1977). Local Land Charges may now originate from others besides the Local Authority.

Local Authorities are responsible for maintaining a public Register, which may be searched, on payment of a fee, for any restrictions or obligations relating to a particular piece of land or property.

Local Land Charges are enforceable against successive owners, whether or not the charge has actually been registered or disclosed on an official search.