Know Your Rights

A title deed is a critical legal document proving ownership of a property. When acquiring property, it is essential to conduct a thorough search at the state land registry to verify the deed's authenticity, ensure there are no existing encumbrances or disputes, and check that the person selling the property is the true legal owner. Failure to verify a title deed can lead to significant legal and financial losses.

The proposed Delta State Landlord and Tenant Law 2025 aims to repeal the outdated 1977 Rent Control law. It seeks to establish a functional, fair, and harmonious housing system by providing modern protections for tenants. This includes curbing sudden, arbitrary rent increments that lack proper justification, as well as protecting tenants from terrible eviction practices. Landlords must provide adequate, legally stipulated notice periods before any eviction proceedings can commence.

Under the proposed 2025 Law, landlords are expected to follow structured and lawful eviction processes rather than resorting to self-help or harassment. Furthermore, the law touches on the role of real estate agents, aiming to bring structure and transparency to property transactions. Agents must be properly registered, and their commission rates will be regulated to prevent exploitative fees, ensuring a fair housing environment for all parties involved.

This law establishes a framework for the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue to assess and collect property taxes from owners of buildings and structures across the state. While it excludes properties used solely for the owner’s residential needs, it covers commercial and non-owner-occupied premises, requiring payment within statutorily designated periods. The law aims to streamline revenue generation while providing clear guidelines for liability, exemptions, and compliance.

Public pathways, roads, and designated commons are government property intended for the free movement and use of all citizens. It is illegal for any private individual or community group to block, gate, or charge unauthorized tolls ('deve') on public access routes. The DSPPPPA enforces the protection of these public assets and will dismantle illegal structures obstructing natural waterways or public paths.

This law provides for the creation of a Public Property Commission, chaired by a judge, with the authority to probe any matters relating to state-owned assets, including real property, machinery, and shares. The Commission is granted extensive legal powers, such as summoning witnesses, issuing warrants of arrest, entering land for evidence, and even remanding individuals in custody for non-compliance. Once an investigation is complete, the Commission submits its recommendations and findings to the Governor to ensure transparent and accountable management of public resources.

This law regulates the rights and duties of personal representatives in managing the real and personal property of deceased individuals, ensuring that estates are handled according to legal standards. It covers the devolution of property to heirs, the administration of assets for both testate and intestate successions, and the priority of debts and funeral expenses. Additionally, it establishes the authority of the High Court in granting letters of administration and overseeing the probate process to protect the interests of beneficiaries and creditors.

This law provides the legal framework for the Delta Development and Property Authority, granting it the power to acquire, develop, and manage various types of real estate including dwelling houses, offices, and industrial complexes. The Authority is tasked with increasing the availability of habitable housing and commercial spaces, and it is empowered to grant loans to individuals or companies for property development purposes. Additionally, the law authorizes the body to provide consultancy services in land-related matters and engage in the sale of building materials to support the state's development goals.