The information provided in this guide is not intended to amount to legal advice. Professional assistance may be required to determine the most appropriate action to protect your legal rights. Please read our Terms of Use on the Land Titles Registration policy and procedure guides web page. Landgate accepts no responsibility where parties print this guide and seek to rely on information that is out of date.
1 Verification of Identity
The caveator in an application will be subject to the Verification of Identity process as of 5 June 2018. This process is completed by Australia Post for self-represented parties. Refer to the Australia Post website to complete your verification of identity. For information regarding the Verification of Identity Practice refer to Verification of Identity webpage on the Landgate website.
[1 New paragraph added on 06/08/2018]
Mandated Electronic Lodgement of Caveats5
As of 1 December 2018, all eligible, stand-alone caveats and any lodgement case consisting of eligible discharges, transfers, mortgages, caveats and withdrawal of caveats must be lodged electronically, as per the Transfer of Land Regulations 2004.
A self-represented party (someone who has not engaged an industry professional to prepare and lodge the caveat) may be eligible to lodge a caveat in paper. For further information, please refer to ELE-01 Electronic Conveyancing or contact Landgate’s Customer Service team on +61 (0)8 9273 7373 or email customerservice@landgate.wa.gov.au.
5Section added 28/02/2024
1. Improper Entry of Caveat
Under s.138 of the TLA the registered proprietor may summon the caveator to appear before the Supreme Court or a Judge in chambers to show cause why the caveat should not be withdrawn.
Section 140 of the TLA provides that a caveator lodging a caveat without reasonable cause shall be liable to pay such compensation for damage caused as a Judge on a summons in chambers may order.
2. What do I need for the Caveat?
- Title Search (recommended) – used to complete the caveat form
- Forms – caveat form Caveat/Caveat forbidding land to be brought under the Transfer of Land Act 1891 (section 30)/Caveat (improper Dealings)
- Copy of any evidence to support the claim as stated in the caveat (including original statutory declarations if required)
- Registration fees payable to Landgate
2.1. Title Search – a copy of the current Original Certificate of Title
A title search is optional as the search provides you with a complete up to date copy of the title at the date and time the title search is obtained.
2.2. Caveat forms C1/C3/C4
Caveat Caveat/Caveat forbidding land to be brought under the Transfer of Land Act 1891 (section 30)/Caveat (improper Dealings) forms are available from a Landgate office or online from the Landgate Website.
Caveat C1 can be lodged electronically.
3. Preparing the Caveat form
In addition to the below information, please refer to: DOC-01 Document Preparation.
3.1. Description of Land
Over Whole
As per standard document preparation guide (DOC-01 Document Preparation).
Over part1
Where portion of the land in a title is involved that is not the whole or a lot, or part lot in that title (multi lot title) then care is needed in its description. There is a need to ensure that no more land is caveated than necessary.
The land description must make reference to the portion and be supported by a sketch that identifies the land being caveated or described in the form of a narrative. The sketch should be certified correct by the caveator and in the case of an absolute caveat, must meet the requirements set out in guide DOC-01 Document Preparation (PDF & eForms).
Caveators (and their conveyancers) need to be aware that certain problems can flow from poorly described ‘portion only’ caveat, which may result in a claim against them for compensation under s.140 of the TLA.
Having no way of determining what part of the land the caveat applies to, the Registrar has no alternative but to deal with it as if it binds the whole land. In a sub-division of land (which in this case does not include a strata/survey-strata scheme):
- the caveat will carry forward onto every part of the lot
- if part of the land in the lot is to vest in the Crown under s.152 of the Planning and Development Act 2005 (P&D Act) - formerly s.20A of the Town Planning Development Act 1928 (TP&D Act) or otherwise, then it will be necessary for the caveat to be withdrawn as to that portion
and
- if it is unclear which portion of land a caveat affects, it may create difficulties for or prevent the registered proprietor dealing with other parts of the land
Where the portion is over portion of the land, the ‘Extent’ panel should state ‘Part".
1Section updated 08/12/2023
Reference to an annexed sketch4
Where portion of the land in a certificate of title is caveated and the nature of the claim is absolute, such portion must be defined by a sketch bearing sufficient measurements to enable the land affected to be accurately plotted. The sketch should be drawn on or fixed to an additional sheet stapled to the caveat.
Where a subject to claim caveat is lodged against portion of the land in a certificate of title, it is not necessary for the sketch to be the same standard as above, but must meet the minimum standards set in the Checklist. It only needs to clearly establish its position of the lot/floor plan
A simple example of a land description referencing a sketch is:
"as to portion of Lot …. on Plan….as described by the hatched area in the annexed sketch"
Note: The sketch should be provided on a separate page, numbered/labelled accordingly to form part of the legal document. Not just included as part of the evidence.
4Section updated 02/02/2024
Sketch requirements for caveats to identify part of the land in a title3
Refer to DOC-01 – 7.2 Sketches in Documents to Identify Part of the Land in a Certificate of Title
Note: While caveats are exempt from having an Interest Only Deposited Plan to define a portion of land, an Interest Only Deposited Plan can still be created in lieu of a sketch.
3Section updated 17/10/2023
Reference by Narrative of Buildings4
A lease of part of a building may have a land description defined by sketch, or by words referring to permanent walls. Care should be taken that in referring to parts of a building that any areas outside the building are also included in the lease (such as parking or storage areas) are not forgotten. If relying on a narrative description to describe the potion, it must be contained within permanent walls otherwise a sketch of that portion is required.
For example, a caveat seeking to protect a lease over portion of the land with a land description panel reading in narrative form:
"The whole of the first floor of the CSA Centre contained within the permanent walls, erected upon Lot 16 on Plan 13455" or
“That portion contained within the permanent walls of the levels 6 and 7 of the building [named/described] being Lot 16 on Plan 13455”
If the caveat portion extends past the permanent walls of a fixed structure, then a sketch is required. If only part or portion of a floor or level is being caveated, then a sketch is required. If the narrative description cannot be adequately described within the permanent walls of a building a sketch is to be provided. If unsure, provide a sketch.
4Section updated 02/02/2024
Over an Interest
The land being caveated must be accurately described on the caveat form. Where the interest claimed is against a mortgage, lease or charge the appropriate words "as to ……..." must precede the land description.
For example, in the case of a mortgage, the words "as to mortgage F123456" must precede the land description.
3.2. Volume/Folio
As per the standard document preparation guide (DOC-01 Document Preparation).
3.3. Caveator
The true name of the caveator must be stated.
The caveator is not required to include:
- Their address
- Their status, such as ‘As Trustee for…..’ . However, they can include ‘trading as…..’ or ‘as the partners of…..’
3.4. Address for Service of Notice
Each caveator must state either a postal address within Australia or an email address (one or the other, not both), where notices relating to the caveat may be served.
3.5. Registered Proprietor
State the address of the Registered Proprietor/s as shown on the Certificate of Title and any address to which future notices can be sent. (See also: DOC-01 Document Preparation.)
Note: This may differ from the property street address.
3.6. Estate or interest being claimed
The claim of the caveator must be set out clearly in the caveat.
It should be noted that the words fee simple is only used in reference to a purchaser, all other claims would not show these words.
3.6.1. How the claim is stated
The claim of the caveator must be set out clearly in the caveat.
It is very important that any options to renew the lease, or an option in the lease to purchase the fee simple be protected by including details of the option in the fifth and sixth panels of the caveat.
3.6.2. Where the caveator is claiming an estate in fee simple
Where the caveator is claiming an estate in fee simple he or she must also show how the claim arises. A simple example of a claim arising out of a contract of sale is:
"claims an equitable estate or interest as purchaser of the fee simple"
3.6.3. Where the caveator is claiming as equitable mortgagee
Where the caveator is claiming as equitable mortgage an example of the claim would Be:
"claims an interest as equitable mortgagee"
3.6.4. Where the caveator is claiming as lessee
Where the caveator is claiming as lessee an example of the claim would be:
"claims an estate or interest in leasehold as lessee"
3.7. The Caveator claims an estate of interest being specified by virtue of
In all caveats the estate or interest being claimed is required to be supported by documentary evidence of that claim. The panel title ‘The Caveator claims an estate or interest as specified herein of the estate or interest of the above-named registered proprietor in the land above described by virtue of (Note 6)’ should clearly reference the evidence supporting the claim by name and date.
For example, where the caveators claim arises from a contract of sale, insert into note 6 "…a contract of sale dated 30 August made between the registered proprietor as vendor and the caveator as purchaser".
3.8. And Forbids the Registration
In this panel, insert the wording of one of either:
- Absolutely
- Unless such instrument be expressed to be subject the caveator’s claim
- Until after notice of any intended registration or dealing to be given to the caveator
3.9. Who can sign the Caveat?
The Caveat may be signed by:
- The caveator(s) personally
- The caveator’s solicitor, signing as his or her solicitor and agent
- A principal of a settlement service, signing as agent for the caveator
- A responsible officer of a caveator company, i.e. director, secretary or manager
- The attorney for the caveator
4. Evidence required to support the claim of the Caveator
4.1. Document or Deed
Caveats lodged in paper must be supported by the documentary evidence that established the caveatable claim. For more information on evidence requirements please see part 9 “Supporting Documentary Evidence” in CAV-02 - Caveats further reading.2
Caveats lodged electronically by an industry professional via an Electronic Lodgment Network Operator do not require evidence to be uploaded and attached. Evidence is required to be obtained and retained by the Subscriber in accordance with the certification rules. Evidence may be uploaded and attached with the caveat if the Subscriber wishes to show that the caveat claimed is not a 138A caveat under the Transfer of Land Act 1893.2
4.2. Statutory Declaration
Where the estate or interest has not been created by a document, a statutory declaration will be required as evidence to support the caveatable claim. For caveats lodged in paper, the original signed and witnessed statutory declaration must be provided. For further information on statutory declaration requirements please see part 10 “Supporting Statutory Declarations” in CAV-02 - Caveats further reading, and DOC-04 Statutory Declarations.2
2 Paragraph added 08/06/2020
5. Lodging the Caveat
- Complete the caveat form referring to the title search. Type or print legibly in dark ink (preferably black)
- Ensure the evidenced is being provided (including originally signed statutory declarations if applicable)
- Lodge the originally signed forms with Landgate ensuring the registration fee payment is enclosed if lodging by post:
- In person at one of Landgate’s lodgement offices. NOTE: any person can lodge the application document with Landgate. The lodging party does not need to be one of the persons named in the application document
- By post to: Landgate Document Lodgement Section, PO Box 2222, MIDLAND WA 6936