A restriction in the property title register limits the owner’s ability to deal with the property. For example, depending on the wording, it might prevent the owner from selling, leasing, mortgaging or remortgaging the property without taking further action.
There are different types, or forms, of restriction. Form LL is often referred to as the 'counter-fraud' restriction.
Form LL restriction – the pros
For many people, property is their most valuable asset and they want to protect it. There are a few ways to do this and, depending on the circumstances, sometimes conveyancers recommend applying to enter a Form LL restriction against the property.
Organised criminals often target the most vulnerable properties or property owners. If you're living or working away from home, for example, or it's empty for a while, sometimes fraudsters can impersonate the registered owner and sell or mortgage the property without your knowledge.
So, a Form LL could be worth considering if you’re a landlord, you don’t live in your property or if it’s likely to be left empty for any period of time. If you’re in such a category and you add this restriction to your property register, it might make your property a less tempting target for fraud.
Form LL restriction – the cons
But, having this restriction in your register can cause delays in the process of selling, leasing or mortgaging your property because, as we’ve said, you’ll need to address additional hurdles, which can take time to resolve. You might want to consider other measures instead - see below.
How it works
A Form LL restriction is designed to help prevent the type of fraud in which a swindler obtains identity documents in the name of the registered property owner, and uses them to persuade a buyer or lender that they are the true owner of the property. This could be a tenant with access to it, or another party.
The restriction reads: "No disposition of the registered estate by the proprietor of the registered estate is to be registered without a certificate signed by a conveyancer that the conveyancer is satisfied that the person who executed the document submitted for registration as disponor is the same person as the proprietor."
To sell or mortgage the property, the fraudster has to obtain a certificate from a conveyancer to comply with the Form LL restriction in the register. It might be difficult to convince the conveyancer that they are the true owner, so the fraudster could be deterred from targeting the property.
What this means for the registered proprietor
In simple terms, it means that – like the fraudster - you'll need a professional conveyancer, such as a solicitor, to personally verify your identity before you (the owner) can mortgage or sell the property. You’ll need to obtain a certificate signed by a conveyancer to say that you, as the registered proprietor, have signed the transfer, lease or mortgage deed.
That isn’t necessarily a problem, but it can cause delay in the transaction process while you obtain the required certificate.
Other measures you can take
For greater peace of mind, you can sign up to HM Land Registry's free Property Alert service. Property Alert notifies you when there’s activity on the register in relation to the property so that you can address it if needs be.
Apply for a Form LL restriction – three ways
If, after careful consideration, you've decided you want a Form LL restriction in your property title register, what next?
Although we recommend seeking legal advice, you don't need anyone to help you apply for the restriction. Head to GOV.UK for information about protecting your land and property from fraud, and for detailed guidance see HM Land Registry’s Practice Guide 19.
- Business owners
Fill in a request for a restriction if you’re a company owning property and send your application to the address on the form - there’s no fee.
- If you do not live at the property
Fill in a request for a restriction for owners not living at the property if you own the property privately – again there’s no fee.
- If you live at the property
Fill in an application for a restriction. It costs £40.
Send completed forms to HM Land Registry Citizen Centre, PO Box 74, Gloucester GL14 9BB.
We’ll tell you when we add the restriction.
12 comments
Comment by Michael Clare posted on
If I applied for an LL restrictions how long would it take to be completed? At the moment, as advised by HM Land Registry, I am having to wait for the registration of my Freehold purchase until at least 8th May 2024. That is more than 25 months since I paid the company who I used to pay the ground rent to!! What chance would an LL application have of being any quicker? I hope I receive a reply but I am not holding my breath!
Comment by Gavin Curry posted on
Hello Michael. Thanks for your comment. If your application is against the same freehold purchase then it would be considered at the same time. However if it is against a different title then the current average wait time is around 5 months. Your applications are protected from the date we receive them, meaning your restriction will be considered before any applications that may be made after yours.
Comment by B. Reading posted on
How does one find Form LL??
I have form RX1 to enter a restriction on my property but cannot find the standard wording with which to complete section 9. I have spent hours on the computer trying to find out how to complete this box.
Comment by Gavin Curry posted on
Thanks for your question. You can find it in Appendix B, section 7.37 of Practice Guide 19. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notices-restrictions-and-the-protection-of-third-party-interests-in-the-register/practice-guide-19-notices-restrictions-and-the-protection-of-third-party-interests-in-the-register#form-ll
Comment by Wendy Matthews posted on
Good Morning,
Could a LL Restriction be used to protect a Deceased Proprietor's property?
If not please could you clarify which Restriction could be used by the Executors/ Personal Representatives/ Beneficiaries respectively?
Many thanks
Comment by Gavin Curry posted on
Hello Wendy. Yes, you would need to apply for the restriction using a form RX1 and including a certified copy of the probate with your application, as set out in the blog.
Comment by Wendy Matthews posted on
Hi Gavin. Many thanks for your reply. What can be done where the Probate is being prevented by a caveat? Many thanks Wendy
Comment by Gavin Curry posted on
Hello Wendy. I'm afraid we can only offer general guidance on our procedures and requirements. We would recommend you seek legal advice on specific issues.
Comment by Sally posted on
Hello, what if a company has a small portfolio of rental properties and wants to protect all of them against fraud. They can only submit a Form LL on a maximum of 3 properties. Could they use an RX1 for the others purely as a fraud prevention measure even though they are the proprietor? Thank you.
Comment by Gavin Curry posted on
Hello Sally. Thanks for your question. Yes, the company can use form RX1 for the others, after using form RQ(Co) for an initial three.
Comment by Kate Spiller posted on
I’m a private landlord with just one property I rent out.
I don’t have a mortgage.
What do I need to do / forms to safeguard my property?
Thank you
Comment by Gavin Curry posted on
Hello Kate. Thanks for your question. Please see our guidance at https://www.gov.uk/protect-land-property-from-fraud.