Q17: Kat Irtifaki on Tapu
Q17: Our TAPU (title deeds), has the "Kat Irtifaki" box ticked. Can anyone tell me what this means, what the implications are, and if applicable - how to change this; we belive we have a copy of the habitation certificate.
A17.1: A Kat Irtifak tapu is based on owning a share of the overall land on which the houses are built - after the building has been completed to the required standard and the "iskan" granted then you can apply for Kat Mulkiyet tapu status which shows shared ownership of land PLUS a specified building on that land. There is a fine if this procedure from KI to KM is not done in the correct amount of time and the original plans may have to be redrawn if you are out of the time limit. The application is made generally by the complex as a whole (the law says one house can apply but the tapu office will soon send you packing!) and requires various work, photographs of every side of each houses, proof of everyone having their DASK insurance etc., a "harita muhendis" plan. The procedure needs to be instigated by your Yonetim Kurulu - Residents Committee and generally all house owners will be asked for additional payments to complete this project. Once you have Kat Mulkiyet status you will come under the Kat Mulkiyet laws. I can recommend someone who does this work for a reasonable charge. -- Jane Baxter