Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Rules.)

The Ground Rents Act (Northern Ireland ) 2001 (“the 2001 Act”) provides for the redemption of ground rents. With the exception of those provisions providing for the compulsory redemption of ground rents, it comes into operation on 29th July 2002.

These Rules insert a new rule 116A and a new Part VIIA into the Land Registration Rules (Northern Ireland) 1994 as amended–

(a)

to enable the Land Registry to deal with applications made by persons wishing to redeem ground rents under the 2001 Act;

(b)

to provide for the making of entries and cancellations on the title register in consequence of the redemption of ground rents;

(c)

to provide for searches in the register kept under section 5(2) of the 2001 Act (register of redemption money and other money lodged with the Land Registry under section 4(2) of the 2001 Act) and searches in that register; and

(d)

to provide for the disposal of money lodged with the Land Registry under section 4(2) of the 2001 Act.

In addition, Articles 35 and 35A of the Property (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 provides for the redemption of nominal rents. Part VIIA of the Land Registration Rules (Northern Ireland) 1994 as amended includes rules relating to redemption of such rents.