site.btaCabinet Counters Property Fraud by Restricting Access to Deeds

The Government has approved amendments to the rules of registrations aimed at limiting property fraud and the misuse of sensitive data, said Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev at a briefing after the Cabinet's meeting here on Wednesday.

According to him, the current system allows any citizen to request a copy of another person’s property deed, which creates conditions for abuse.

With the adopted changes, open access to deeds is discontinued, the Minister noted. Official access for notaries, lawyers, bailiffs, and state authorities is preserved, he added, explaining that for all others a new procedure will apply: a person claiming to have a legal interest will submit an application, and the registry judge will decide whether to issue the document. A similar restrictive system exists in France, Spain, and Italy, Georgiev noted.

Open access to the electronic property registry check is preserved, the Minister explained. As of January 15, 2016, the sale price will also be included in it, which, according to Georgiev, will improve transparency and facilitate the work of investigative journalists.

Starting in the spring, a new electronic service is planned - citizens will receive a text message notification whenever a check is made on their property or a copy of their deed is requested, Minister Georgiev said. The goal is early warning in case of suspected abuse, he added.

The Justice Minister recalled that the measure is part of a broader reform package against property fraud, which includes the new arbitration law and upcoming changes to civil and criminal law. According to him, the steps taken should turn the institutions' efforts into a lasting state policy.